Wednesday, June 6, 2012

THE YOKE'S ON HIM


OK.

Last week I had a meltdown at the new house.

A big 'ol cry party, a poor-me sob story, a "I cannot cope anymore" moment…

In my defense, I am tired.

We are moving ourselves into this new home - (just call us Mr. and Mrs. Bekins).  And so, moving entails packing up 28 years of…ahem…stuff – and then driving it 2 hours up the mountain.  We've made multiple round trips the last few weeks, with many more to come.

So, I am tired.

But what set me off was so miniscule, so trivial – (so dumb) – that I hate to even bring it up.

It was…cable TV.

Last Thursday was our cable TV/Internet installation day.  I eagerly looked forward to this.  You see, it's not so much about TVthough I love my sports and *my* shows – it's really all about the Internet.

I need this little laptop screen of mine to connect with my *peeps* out there.  It's rather important to me now, but up there (away from everyone) I think it's crucial to be able to STAY IN CONTACT!

So, cable guy arrived and asked where the hook-up box was located outside. ("I don't know.  Isn't that your job?")  After a good half hour of searching, the bad news was brought to my attention.

There ISN'T any hook-up box.

Nope.

There is no ability to have ANY cable service up where we live (Mt. Everest, evidently) without paying thousands and thousands of dollars – not to mention that I sincerely doubt that any cable company would even go to the trouble (hassle) for ONE house.

I don't have $$$ laying around right now, folks.

He said he was really sorry.  I said I understood.  He left.  I went outside.

That's when the meltdown occurred.

You see, I began to realize all the changes that this move was going to require.  There are so many ways that I'm used to doing things – banking, marketing, getting our mail, chain stores, church, bookstores, etc – that's all going to change.  I don't like change…

You can't teach an old dog new tricks – mostly because the old dog doesn't want to learn.  

So, I cried.

"Lord," I said as I wiped my eyes, "this is going to be so hard.  And I am so tired right now.  I don't think I can take another step.  There's just too much going on, too much change, too many snags.  Where are You?"

And then I glanced to my right and saw…

…a yoke.

You see, when the sellers moved out of our new home, they didn't take everything with them.  And one of the *treasures* that they left behind was an old yoke for oxen.  I know – way cool.

There it sat, perched upon a nearby rock.  As soon as I caught sight of it, I smiled.

And Jesus and I said together, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you…For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

I felt calmed.

Yes, His burden is light and easy to bear because He bears the full weight of it.  We are yoked with Him, but He does all the pulling.  

That night when I finally got home (back to old home), I opened my devotions.  And, of course, what was the Scripture for the day?  Yes, Matthew 11:28.  The very same words that had come to me up on the mountaintop.


The Lord is so faithful.


He speaks to my soul with comfort, and renews my spirit with His love.


Here's the prayer that went along with the devotion:


A prayer when I'm TIRED
When I'm weary and in need of renewal

Dear God,
Thank you that you renew my strength when I grow weary.  Thank you for refreshing my heart…Thank you for refreshing my soul…Thank you for refreshing my mind.  Thank you for refreshing my body when I come to you in solitude.  And thank you for refreshing my perspective on life when I come to you…Thank you that I can draw strength from you, the source of all strength.

"Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10, NASB)


How does God strengthen your tired spirit?


Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

8 comments:

  1. Wow Sharon,

    In much the same way and it has helped reading this today. I am feeling stressed and last night things really seemed to be crowding in on me. But the Lord is good, the Lord is in control, I must change some of my foolish ways and look to Him. Thank you for sharing this Sharon, I do hope and pray that the Lord will provide some kind of internet connection for you, I would really miss you and your blogs.

    Back now to my moving plans, my sorting and disposing of and wondering just how everything is going to fit in. However our God has told me more than once this a.m. it will be okay and I am sure it will be for you too.

    Cyber Hugs coming your way - Nita

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  2. WAIT. I can't get get past the part about not having internet. Are you saying that you won't have it at all, ever? Because that's sort of making me have palpitations... I do not want to lose you. What kind of Hillbilly are you turning into?

    As for the rest, I love it. That was absolutely no coincidence (never is) that they left the yoke. That is an ebenezer if I have ever seen one.

    Just so you know, I would come give you a hug and help you pack if I didn't live a continent away. I really would.

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  3. I smiled as I see the many ways God reminds us to draw back unto Him as our days become overwhelming. Change is hard even when it offers many good things. Hoping you will get the internet sorted out. We have all grown to love you reading your posts Sharon.

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  4. I'm with Debbie; will you have internet? Surely they must? Because of the nature of my work, that's the first thing I ask, LOL, when we consider a move. I love how God constantly reminds us that he is walking alongside us, we just need to have our eyes and ears open to him and his ways. Moving on your own, no wonder you are tired! It is exhausting work and I think the longer it gets spread out to get everything moved the more daunting it seems. I'm not really being encouraging am I? Honestly, it will get better but it will be a struggle for a bit as you adapt, but one day you'll look back and you'll say "it was a good thing we did this" (but it might take a long time to get there though so hang in there, just remember God has you where he wants you and is right there with you).

    betty

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  5. Sharon,
    Oh, girl, I can relate. We moved last fall after 21 years in the same house and it has been both a really fun experience, and a really, really trying one.

    Just finding a new dentist, new doctor, the post office, the library, the dry cleaners...well, you know what I mean.

    But no Internet? Surely there must be a satellite service or something???? We will stay tuned while you sort this out.

    LOVED the title "the Yoke's On Him."

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  6. I'm with the others. No internet???? No, no, no - I don't want to lose you either. Surely there is satelite or something. (Hughes Net and Wild Blue are two that come to mind.

    You just have to keep in touch!

    As far as the rest of the post - Isn't that just like God to send it a reminder that He is in control.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  7. That is one reason why I don't want to move - but I know that you will make it Sharon. Are you saying no internet? sandie

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  8. Please tell me you will have internet.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)