Greetings! What an exciting time! Summer, lazy days, maybe some change. Time to rejuvenate, sit and soak up the rays of our Son! I know for many of you, vacations are planned, outdoor hobbies, sitting by the lake, gardens, flowers, traveling and summer sports are what is in store for your next few months. Sometimes we go through seasons of winter. I remember the classic line from Chronicles of Narnia where Thomas says “It’s winter, Always Winter. Never Spring”.
It can feel like that no matter what the temperature is out. Gloomy and dark especially for those who have lost loved ones, or been in a season of constant health issues or dark financial times. We long for and yearn for the Son to start spring and rebirth, anticipation of growth. Sometimes those dark seasons can come from holding onto or lugging all of our baggage with us.
If you have ever traveled, one of the least exciting things to do is pack, repack, make extra room and lug your baggage. Let’s be honest if you are like me, you can’t pack light because, “What if you NEED something and you can’t get it there?” I carry the entire 3rd aisle of Walgreens in my suitcase. I mean you just never know right? I always want to be prepared.
But what happens when life hits and we are not prepared for what it throws at us? What if we don’t have everything with us that we need? Where do we go? Walmart, a drugstore??? Maybe if they have one, but you will find yourselves in places and times where the only one you can turn to for help is God. We like to drag that baggage around with us way beyond traveling. We stuff and cram all of our emotional pain, scars, guilt, memories, hurts and unfulfilled dreams tightly into that baggage and sit on it to zip it up. And when we run out of room, we grab another piece of luggage. Jesus knew this was a human problem that has transcended all time. That is why he said,
“Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens (baggage), and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11: 28-29 NLT
God never intended for us to carry all of that baggage, the guilt, shame and pain. He says lay it down and take my yoke that is light. It is when we relinquish all of that which we have held so tightly, allow God to carry it, that we can be truly free. Free to embrace the Son, free to bask in His rays and enjoy life as he intended for us. It can be Spring and Summer for you if you are willing.
I am embracing a time of rest, relaxation, a time of reconnecting to God, sitting in his holiness and rest. A time of meeting new people, going new places, experiencing new things and enjoying God’s creation. Everyone wants to know what I will be doing on sabbatical. That is a good question. I had several things lined up and all have fallen through, so… you know me always a planner and after talking with God I think that is it. I’m not supposed to plan. This time is just “To be” and not plan. I am excited what opportunities might be waiting. So, until September, I wish you all the best and a very happy relaxing summer as you draw closer to God. And if you still feel like it is winter, may you take me up on the offer to work on letting go of that baggage and leaving it at the savior’s feet. You deserve to sit in the “Son” this summer!
Shalom
Pastor Penny
