Summer is pretty well finished and we're gearing up for another busy fall. As we look ahead, we see how quickly our time is taken up - work schedules, community responsibilities, our children's commitments. Already we are feeling worn down and tired.

Jesus has good new for those of us struggling with the rat race. He says, "Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:24) Rest isn't something that comes easily to many in our society. Very few of us get the required physical rest, and even fewer find rest for the spirit. That is exactly what Jesus is offering. He says, "I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

When the world comes crashing in on us, when people demand our time and energy, when we wonder which way to turn because there are so many pressures and stressors in our lives, Jesus stands quietly by our side offering rest. He gives us the opportunity to place our burdens in His hands.

That's not to say we will never have to work again, that somehow Jesus will look after us and we can just let everything slide. We still have our jobs, our commitments, but we don't have to carry around the extra burden of the stress, the anxiety. When we bring our troubles to Him, when we bring our labour to Him, He shares the burden and lightens our load.

But Jesus isn't pushy or aggressive. He makes the offer and allows us to choose. We can let Him share our burden and find it easier to bear, or we can shoulder it ourselves. Jesus offers us rest for our souls, a companion who will walk beside us and ease the load, but He also says if we want that help, we must come to Him.

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