by Kala Loptien

Finding Balance and Rest

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 ESV

For almost a century now, my sweet little hometown in Nebraska has hosted a weekend-long celebration over Labor Day weekend. Typically, you’ll find a parade, great food, fun shows, golfing, a color run and live music. The town doubles or triples in size, as several classes and families plan reunions around the weekend.

I like the intentionality behind a day (or weekend) like Labor Day. We know that God intentionally rested. Think that was for His good or for ours? In such a fast-paced and busy world, we often become unbalanced. We forget we hold the highest title and all-important role of being God’s beloved children. Work is certainly an important and necessary part of life. We have to provide for our families and steward a portion of that provision to support ministries and causes close to God’s heart. But the call on our life when it comes to laboring and resting is different from the world’s standard.

Each day is an opportunity to praise Him and bring Him glory. Maybe it’s a time of fellowship with family or long lost friends. There are always prime opportunities to share His love and how He reigns in your life. Maybe it’s a tradition to run a race with family members (that’s our thing), soaking up the beauty of creation and praising Him for time together and the ability to be active. Beyond this one weekend though, it’s critical to our spiritual self care that we balance our lives with intentional rest in Him. That means we make time to be with our Lord. We worship, stay connected to our faith community, pray continually and find restoration in His presence.

Your work is important, yes. God has blessed you with your own unique gifts. You are a light for others and a reflection of Christ. Your rest and how you choose to spend your time are equally as important. Today, let’s find that balance and refocus on what’s most important.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado