Our time in Wisconsin was too short. But Al has work. On the way home, if we take the normal route and don't detour for sightseeing, we usually pass this barn. It is weary and falling apart. I can understand.
"Are you weary, are you heavy hearted, tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus."
I sure am weary - weary of masks, divisions over the vaccination, weary of the incessant talk of the virus, weary of the cancel culture, weary of the threat against our liberties in this country. Sometimes I'd just like to stick my head in the sand and just forget about it all!
Matthew 11:28-30 in the Amplified version (I love that version!) says,
"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest - I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.
(What a caring Saviour we have!-my words)
Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest - relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet - for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good) - not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant; and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
The Message puts it this way. "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 Jews in Jesus' day were weary of the Romans and weary of the "yoke" of all the laws put on them by the religious Pharisees. This morning I was reminded to take our worries - and our weariness over these things do become worries, don't they? - to Him. In fact, it is a command. "Do not worry." Turn worries into prayer.
If you are struggling right now, spend time telling Him about it. Talk to God about your pain. He will hear you! He will refresh you! One day that barn will fall down, but we don't have to. Jesus promises to care for us. Live in contentment and peace. He is in charge. Each day is in His hand. Trust Him. "Do not worry about tomorrow."
Dubuque, Iowa - This morning, I was reading the story of Clara H. Scott, author of the hymn "Open My Eyes That I May See" from the book "Then Sings My Soul" Book 2 by Robert J. Morgan.
The Mississippi was half frozen over. This was 3 weeks ago, so I'm sure by now the ice is all melted. In Kansas, we are hitting the 70's today.
The verse from Psalm 119:18 inspired her to write that song.
"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."
She was the first woman to publish a volume of choir anthems, the Royal Anthem Book, in 1882. She taught music at the Ladies' Seminary in Lyons, Iowa. One hymn listed that I do not know and could not find on-line was titled "Oh When Shall My Weary Soul Find Rest in Thee."
In 1897, she was visiting the town of Dubuque. "As she was climbing into a horse-drawn carriage, something spooked the horse, sending it careening down the street at breakneck speed. Clara was thrown from the runaway buggy and killed. She was fifty-five." How very sad. None of us knows the number of our days.
Such a sweet time. We sure do miss having her closer to us. Her work schedule doesn't allow us to get together real often, although we are planning next week for all the siblings to be together! It is always a time of laughter! A time when we "solve" all the nations' problems. (Ha! If only they'd listen to us, huh?) It is a time when our wearied souls are refreshed!
