Come to Me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.
I've pinned this verse a thousand times on Pinterest, painted it on crafts, and sang it with my church choir in one of our favorite hymns. It’s taken a visiting priest and some wake up calls from God to show me the importance of rest.
Our culture has evolved to one that worships the busy and the achievers. I wholeheartedly believe that those who work hard for their accomplishments deserve recognition. However, we have been spotlighting those who seem to do the impossible; serving on numerous boards, excelling in school or their career, and having a close circle of family and friends. The problem with this is two fold.
First, we are teaching each other and our next generation to be busy; but, busy doesn’t always mean productive. Let’s encourage each other to fill our plates with service and involvement in organizations that are fulfilling our purpose and allowing us to use our strengths.
Second, this can fuel the achievers to feel that they are only worthy if they continue to achieve great heights that are in the spotlight. Perhaps you or a friend has been praised for your accomplishment and told that you are flawless and can do everything and the world is watching for the next big thing that you do. This can feel like there is a ticking clock to a deadline where the achiever must reach a new height, or they suddenly become unworthy.
In reality, we are all human. God didn't create us to pursue trophies and titles. He created us to share love for one another. There is as much to be admired about someone who devotes their life to service of family, teaching children, and helping those in need without ever having their name known, as there is of an athlete, superstar, or politician.
Stop chasing what makes us busy. Start resting and filling your heart with what, at your core, brings you joy.
