Back to School 
Pause
A new school year is usually packed with Back-to-Back activities. Remember:
“Just because much of the world has pressed play on socializing and going out again, doesn’t mean you have to keep saying yes. You owe nothing to the chaos of collective exhaustion.
Your boundaries are sacred. They don’t need a reason.
Inhale: In freedom, I say no.
Exhale: I don’t need a reason.”
@blackliturgies, 2021
Listen
“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Think
One of my favorite children’s book is Sarah’s Heavy Heart by Peter Carnavas. Sarah carries around a heavy heart – to school, on the bus, and to the playground. One day, she encounters a boy floating by. His heart is too light and tends to carry him away, while Sarah’s heart weighs her down. Suddenly, Sarah pulls a ribbon from her hair and ties the boy’s heart to hers. With their hearts bound, they pick up their hearts and carry it to town.
I imagine that ribbon connecting the two hearts is that yoke that Jesus speaks of. It has a way of rooting those who are weary from being blown away by the world’s troubles as well as lifting up those who are weary from carrying heavy responsibilities and daily struggles. Wherever our weariness comes from, Jesus promises rest – shared rest and companionship. The good news is we don’t have to work for it, just simply receive it.
Theresa Cho
Pray
God, you inspire me. You overwhelm me with your unconditional love and generous compassion. Shake me loose from the things I do not need to carry alone. May I find rest in your light and love. Amen.
Go
Rest in the assurance that you are God’s own
Carry and share the load of others and let them carry yours
Look up and around you to where God is pointing
Celebrate that you are loved just as you are
