Rest for the Weary

School was out for me and I had just been in my first art show in years. Several of my articles had been published and in spite of my difficult circumstances I found a sense of accomplishment was beginning to rise to the surface. All of this from what seemed like my personal ground zero. Mid life and starting over almost from scratch; overwhelmed at times, embattled too often and fighting the enemy bitterness.

As I drove towards the city the sky was a patchwork of rain and sunshine. In the distance the sky opened itself up and covered the skyline with its overflow. To my right the sun poked through the darkened clouds. For the first time in a long time I felt renewed as I pulled into the church in North Dallas that had sponsored the art show to pick up my art. I didn't sell any of my work, I didn't win a prize, but I had entered and showed my work and I felt good about that. I was beginning to do what I felt lead to do years before, learn to express my faith in the visual medium.

Jesus promised rest for the weary.

I think one reason we become weary is because we lead lives of performance. Certainly my university study, my art and writing demand performance. The danger is when that mentality seeps in and overcomes the life I am called to live in compassion and grace. When performance invades my inner life and my outer life expresses only the fruits of performance I have set myself up for weariness.

Jesus promised rest for the weary.

This attitude must be corrected to live an authentic life. It can be corrected. One way to turn yourself around when you have fallen in to the trap of performance is to become a living sacrifice. Make your life available to God and others. Use the gifts that could be used to advance your own agenda to advance His. Use your gifts to reach out and connect. See that He is sovereign and the results of all your efforts and striving are up to Him. Relax in knowing He has a purpose for your life and He will use you. Pray and maybe He will let you have a little glimpse of how He does uses you in order to encourage you and not build up your need to perform.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV