Overwhelmed and Grumpy

A chaotic hill of parcels tumbled towards the door of the van and as I approached, I heard the van driver breathe out in exasperation, ‘I don’t believe it!’ I thought perhaps whatever delivery we were to receive might be at the bottom of the hill but no, he quickly retrieved a small box and gave me the device for the signature.

Someone else is off work, it turns out, and this delivery man is doubling up and working long hours to get everything to the right addresses. All of our clicks on our computers keep this guy in a job, but it is a demanding and stressful role at times it seems. He was overwhelmed and grumpy.

Sometimes I can feel like others aren’t shouldering their share of the load and I can become overwhelmed and grumpy. I guess the van driver didn’t have a choice: it was his job to deliver the double load. But I usually have a choice and can elect to leave some things buried at the bottom of the hill of duties. 

Jesus invites us to walk with him and enjoy the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’. Everywhere I look I see things to be done, but they don’t all have to be done by me, today. I choose to walk in an unforced rhythm of grace with God today. The hill will still be there tomorrow.

Shed that heavy cape

For some reason, this morning on our walk I was remembering the heavy lead (?) cape which the dentist used to wrap round your shoulders to prevent the x-rays going where they shouldn’t go, when he was x-raying your teeth. Maybe they still use those capes, but I’ve not had it on for years.

I remember how heavy it hung on my shoulders. How awkward it was to sling round your shoulders.

It reminds me of the responsibilities I carry. The responsibilities Don carries. They weigh us down. They elicit sighs from time to time. Mutterings of ‘weary, weary’ from Don. 

I’m then reminded of Jesus’ invitation. ‘Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble and you will find rest for your souls.’ 

The modern paraphrase from The Message is wonderful. ‘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. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’

The unforced rhythms of grace. Nothing heavy on my shoulders. I don’t think he means we are to cease caring about those we love, or adopt a ‘whatever’ attitude to life. But as we share our burdens with Jesus, they cease to be burdens and perhaps even become blessings. 

Which of course, most of them are anyway. Most of the burdens we carry are for those we love. 

Blessings every one.

I’m going to ask God to help me shed that heavy cape today. I want to wear the gossamer one that Jesus gives.