Refreshed

Refresh“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

We usually consider “rest” to mean sleep. Some explain it as “to cease movement in order to refresh oneself”.

In the context of a funeral, one is laid to rest, but could also be considered “refreshed”. Leaving behind this earthly vessel which will return to dust, living on in a new body, free from the constraints of gravity, time, age, pain, and all the other challenges we earthly beings must face.

Those of a certain age can recall the “Nestea Plunge”, a commercial where a person would drink the tea and fall into a swimming pool. Refreshing. For those of us that shared the dusty fields of late summer football practice, a dip in the pool was a must.

While immersion in cool water can easily wash away the grit of a hard day’s work, refreshing the soul takes a different kind of water, “Living Water”.

I had completed a difficult week which not only included the funeral of a man that we considered family, I was also asked to sing and play at the service. I consider it an honor that my meager talents are thought worthy to help soothe aching souls. I did not realize the gravity of my participation until well after the service. I was exhausted, spiritually and physically. The children of the man who had passed are like sisters to me, so anything I sang would have been appreciated, but for me, what I sang was an offering of respect. I take it seriously, and it took its toll.

Days later, I awoke, still feeling a bit hung over with a heavy heart. Taking care of an early morning errand, I passed a homemade “yard sale” sign, twisting in the wind like a fluorescent green lighthouse beacon, begging for my attention. I took the detour, weaved down a small country road until it opened up to a nice house with a driveway full of “treasures”. Not seeing anything I could not live without, I struck up a conversation with the home owner.

The conversation turned to children, and when I mentioned my daughter’s name, the woman’s eyes began to tear up. My daughter had coached her daughter’s summer basketball team and was her section leader in band. As a freshman, she was new to the area, awkward and didn’t have many friends. She said my daughter was always so kind and encouraging, always bolstering her confidence. Her daughter is now a graduating senior, has a great group of friends, has mentored younger students, and plans to be an elementary school teacher. All because my daughter invested her time and led by example. There are days when you wonder if you’ve done enough to raise your child, then you get a true glimpse of the person she has become. Her story was refreshing to an otherwise weary soul.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Refreshment” may come in different forms, from different directions, but it will come if you draw near to Jesus. He knows your needs, He knows that you are weary and heavily burdened, and He will give you rest.

I pray that you find the rest that you need

And that you are
Blessed in Great Measure

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