Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 30, 2020

Author: Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 30, 2020

Scott's Weekly Greeting ...

I am preparing to take off for a few vacation days. Taking vacation time is not something that I am very good at. In the past I have been known to take my briefcase on vacation with me. I check my emails and answer phone calls while I am supposed to be away. I know that the world can turn without me and the church can function without me ... but it is still hard to step away.

It is especially difficult this year. With everything that is going on in the world, and in our country, it seems as though all vacations are cancelled until further notice! There is work to do done!

However, I am old enough, and mature enough, now to realize that rest is important. Sadly, the global pandemic and the march toward racial justice will still be here a week from now.

I need rest. We ALL need rest. The circumstances of our lives and of the world weary us. Our country is a tinder box. Everything has become politicized. We have to watch what we say, and how we say it, and where we say it, and to whom we say it. We have to be careful about being careful about our health and well-being. We have to be aware of what we wear. Being on guard, being constantly wary, makes us weary. It wears us out.

Many people in our communities are suffering from physical and emotional fatigue. Our spirits are worn raw. There are days when we would like to stick our heads in the sand and let the world go crazy around us.

But we know that we cannot do that. We cannot ignore what is happening in the world. We cannot ignore Jesus' call to stand up and to speak out. We cannot forget our call to love our neighbors and to care for those who are cast aside. We cannot exchange our cross for a seat in the stands.

However, we can set it down for a moment. Even Jesus went into the wilderness to pray. Even Jesus took time to refresh and recharge his batteries.

We need rest ... real rest.

Jesus says to us, "Come to me all you who are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) This week's message, "Real Rest," will focus upon this passage and the yoke that Jesus calls us to carry. What is it that makes his burden easy?

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