HOW HEAVY IS YOUR BURDEN? A young woman confidently walked around the room while explaining stress management to an audience. She raised a glass of water and everyone thought she was going to ask the standard question, "Is this glass half empty or half full?" But instead she inquired with a smile, "How heavy is this glass of water?" People called out guesses ranging from 8 oz. to 20 oz. She continued, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. What matters is how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, my arm will ache. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight; but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." And that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time they become heavier and heavier. Sooner or later we crash under the weight of the stress. As with the glass of water, so it goes with us. Our challenge, then, is to find ways to lay our burdens down for a time. Take a break. I suggest we start by finding some moments to rest in our Father's arms, burdens and all. His strength can hold us and our burdens too. While we're there he may have some things to say to us about those burdens. Maybe we're carrying things we need not carry. Maybe we are stressing about things we cannot control. Maybe we are trying to do it all ourselves. Or maybe we're not turning to the great God of the universe for grace, strength, and peace that passes understanding. We all know Matthew 11:28-29. The Message interprets it like this: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. How does that sound, friends?
Greg
******************************** We won't be meeting this Sunday, August 14. It's guilt-free Sunday. Spend some time alone with God and practice listening. Take notes in your journal. ******************************** Monday, August 15 This Monday night at Peace Lutheran Church we continue our 4-part DVD series. This one is titled Divine Input for the Day-to-Day. God not only speaks to us about major life decisions, but he also wishes to guide us in our plain ole' everyday lives.
Sometimes he is there to assure us of his peace and presence. We might also hear whispers of admonition that encourage us to change our course or warn us of danger. He might also prompt us to act -- to respond to a need or a problem.
Are we listening? It should be a great discussion. Don't miss it!
Come at 6:30 PM for a healthy Mexican dinner. Judy and Bethany are cooking the whole thing. You just need to bring yourself and a couple dollars to donate to the cost of the meal. Class begins at 7:15 PM. *********************************
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