"Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." ... Matthew 11:28

There is nothing more pleasing and refreshing for us than the promise of Jesus' rest. Yes, he takes up our burdens. Many of those burdens we create for ourselves through the frantic life we lead. Those burdens are never more apparent than in the month of May.

But Jesus not just promised rest, he also modeled for us an overall living pace that was more deliberate than speedy. If Jesus were around in the flesh walking the streets of New Jersey today, his pace would drive us nuts. In his Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down, Kirk Byron Jones cites scriptural examples: "Here is [Jesus] who loitered in Jerusalem as a lad, who would not be rushed into judgment against a "woman caught in adultery," who did not respond to every demand on him with an as-soon-as-possible response. Remember, he arrived four days late for Lazarus's funeral."

Why are we trying to out do Jesus? If time for prayer and time for a more deliberate pace was good enough for the Lord, well it sure has to be beneficial for us!

Lord, slow down my feet for the needs of my neighbor. Lord, slow down my eyes to behold your blessings. Lord, slow down my ears to listen to your Word. Lord, slow down my passions to make judgments wrapped in mercy. Lord, slow down my taste buds to dine and not graze. Lord, slow me down for a journey that lasts beyond the rat race. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Dan
Published Sunday May 23, 2004
Week 26 of Liturgical Year C