Yesterday, while most of us were gathered with friends and family, opening presents, singing carols, and stuffing ourselves to the gills, many were selflessly serving others as firemen, soldiers, nurses, therapists, doctors, police, and so many others. They gave up their holiday, so we could enjoy ours.
My daughter, Rishana, was one of these. She is a COTA, an occupational therapy assistant. She works with stroke and brain injury patients, helping them regain the skills they need to take care of themselves and lead a normal life again. I am extremely proud of her and how she gives a little of herself to every patient.
The problem with giving like that, however, is by the end of the day you’re all given out. You feel like there is nothing left to give. I speak from experience here. There has been many a day I’ve come home from the office feeling like I’ve been sucked dry, with nothing left to share with my wife and children.
It is at times like these, Jesus is so dear. He understands are weakness, because He has walked in our shoes. Can you imagine how tired He must have been after long days of preaching and healing? But even in this, He showed us the way.
Worn out after a long day of serving others, Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16). From His Heavenly Father Jesus drew renewed strength and the energy He needed to face another day. By casting all His burdens on His Father, He was able to continue to carry the burdens of others.
Today, when you’re feeling worn out, when you’ve given till you feel you’ve got no more to give, follow Jesus example and go to the Father. Lay your burdens at His feet and let His love restore your soul. He will never turn you away. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
Take Him up on this offer today. In your hopelessness, He will be your hope; in your weakness, strength; and when you are weary, He will give you rest.
God bless and have a wonderful, new day.