Some Days We Are Just Plain Tired

Do you remember the movie “The Karate Kid”? Remember Daniel LaRusso, the Karate Kid, doing his famous Martial Arts kick and winning the match against that ‘bad guys’? Remember Mr. Kesuke Miyagi – Daniel-son’s teacher?

I was thinking about the character Daniel the other day. At the point he was struggling to get off the mat again – one more time – his knee was killing him as he was hurt so bad. Shaking he stood on one leg. Then at the right moment he did the famous kick that finished the fight. Then they carried him off the floor absolutely exhausted.

After talking with some of my friends recently they seem to represent this kind of tiredness. All of the events that have been coming their way in life have left them almost too tired to go on. Maybe it is just this time of year, after a long winter, snow shoveling, and some colds/flu mixed into our life – we are worn out and ready for a summer break. Soon many will begin their summer vacation/change time. We all need it I am sure.

There is another kind of weariness that comes from just “being there”. It is weariness from daily ministry to your family and friends. To being there for people that need you. It is called “ministry”. Each of us has some each day. People need to talk. Emails are important from a friend that is struggling. Letters(the old snail mail way) arrive telling an account of a family problem, doctor’s reports and other things of concern. Daily we are surrounded by situations where we must give ourselves away.

I think of Jesus at times like this. He did this on a daily basis. But he began the day preparing himself for this giving of himself away – by meeting with his Heavenly Father first. What an example for me and you. Time alone with God before the rush begins.

There are interesting words from another busy man called Paul. He wrote, in Galatians 6:9-10(NIV) verse 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Becoming “weary in doing good” is a common problem in 2006. We are all weary after doing the stuff we have to do, and then someone in the family needs just one more thing done. A mom that has worked all day, comes home to a house in turmoil after the kids get home from school. Then she grabs a few things “to make dinner”. After homework, there is bath time, preparation for the next day and even clothes to wash. In the middle of all this regular stuff, some one calls to ask if she will volunteer for one more thing at school. Weary? You betcha!

I like what Paul says… he sees that we do grow weary and that we are doing good. But he promises us that we will reap a harvest some day. The kids will grow up and finally leave. The bills will get paid. The wash will get done. The renovations that you launched into will be done soon.

Jesus spoke to me today again. He has actually said it many times before… but again today reminded me of his program for today…. Matthew wrote about it for me.

Matthew 11:28-30(NIV)
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 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.
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I hope you find the rest you need today. Maybe this weekend alone in your yard work or garden you will be refreshed. Maybe in these next few weeks as everything comes together with the repairs you are doing in that special project – you will find relief too.

Take time to sit with him today. Jesus is waiting to take the burden.