“My business is doing well,” a friend recently told me, “but I’m having more trouble with allergies than ever. It seems like when I stress out, they get worse, and I’m wondering if it’s related.”
Being busy is something we can all relate to, yet Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”[Matthew 11:28–29 NIV]
The word “yoke” in this verse has little meaning for most of us urban city dwellers, but here in Asia, you still often see both men and women carrying huge loads to market. They manage by using a wooden frame across the shoulders with baskets hanging from each end. The secret is in keeping a perfect balance. They’ve developed a rhythmic walk so neither basket swings too far out on either side.
Even though Jesus knew His time on earth was short, He didn’t get frantic and try to cram as much as He could into each working day. Instead, He managed to carry His big loads by keeping a balance, resting when He was tired,[See Matthew 8:24.] and encouraging His disciples to do the same.[See Mark 6:31.] He also made time to get away, pray and hear from His Father.[See Mark 1:35.]
We too can carry big loads if we get into the right rhythm, keeping a balance between attending to our responsibilities and taking time away to rest and recharge.
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Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.—1 Peter 5:7 NLT
A time for everything: A time to relax and a time to be busy, a time to frolic and a time to labor, a time to receive and a time to give, a time to begin and a time to finish.—Jonathan Lockwood Huie (b. 1944)
It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s how you carry it.—Author unknown
The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people, with balance in their lives, who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner.—Gordon Hinckley (1910–2008)
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.—Thomas Merton (1915–1968)