“I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish.” Jeremiah 31:25
Maybe I’m not alone, but I am discovering the great variety of shows on Netflix, and somehow, I’ve gotten hooked on several British cooking shows. I find myself enamored with the different turns of phrase that the English language takes in Great Britain. Some are the same as our American English with small variations, but many are brand new terms for me. My personal favorite is “knackered.” It’s just a slang word that means tired or exhausted. I don’t know about you, but I feel knackered every day. Every single thing I do takes more energy. I’m letting go of expectations, changing plans on a moment’s notice, sleeping restlessly, and worrying about my loved ones. But I have found some things that really help me re-center – music, worship services on-line, connecting with friends and family, and taking time for morning meditation.
I often choose to meditate on Scripture passages through an ancient process called Lectio Divina (sacred reading). In this experience, I read the passage four different times to sense what the Spirit may be saying to me in the present moment.
I want to share one of my favorite passages that restores me when I am completely “knackered,” and encourage you to put this into practice.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message paraphrase)
- Simply read it aloud slowly and hear the words clearly for your own life.
- Read it again. Focus on the word or phrase that captures your attention.
- Read it again. Ask God how this phrase speaks to your life at this moment.
- Read it once more and just listen for God’s response.
Rev. Dr. Deb Kaiser-Cross
Minister for Congregational Care
Prompt for Reflection
How can I offer peace to myself, my family, and others today?
Prayer Focus
For all who are working so hard to provide us with essentials – our service workers, our teachers, our agricultural workers.
Precious Lord, we invite you to take our hands and lead us to rest in your presence. Quiet our knackered souls long enough to surprise us with the peace of your presence, loving us, forgiving us, and making us whole again.