Rest Not Wrestle

Like an angry lava flow inching along a slow switchback course, hundreds upon hundreds of tired people were forced to conform and wait. Eyes glazed over. A massive room of silent, desperate drudgery. Huddled masses yearning to breathe free.  O Statue of Liberty, the LAX Customs and Immigrations lines are incredibly difficult to endure after such long, long flights.His guttural two-year-old screams said it all. As we waited for our turn to present passports and customs cards, my sweet toddler had a total meltdown.Nothing helped. Exhaustion was master. His ears unable to hear my soothing words.  His body unable to relax in my arms.  His mind unable to choose rationality.  He just wanted to escape the pain. If only he would have let me help him. O my baby, I've been there.Utterly overwhelmed by the journey. Emotionally, relationally, spiritually, physically. Done.  Yes. I've been there so many times.  Hmmm... I've been there today.Reminding myself to lean close to my Father. To hear His soothing Words. To fall into His arms. To choose His comfort. To reach for His goodness. To stop fighting against the journey and trust Him to be good amidst it all. To rest not wrestle.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

Lazarus, Emma. "The New Colossus." Emma Lazarus. Esther H. Schor. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2006. 11. Print.