Choice

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,”…

I sink back onto the couch. I feel like there’s a leak inside me somewhere. All my energy keeps escaping. The smallest things feel effortful. Covid has come, an uninvited guest. Our entire household is impacted. I, the Mama, who usually does things with ease, struggle.

“Just a few minutes. Maybe I’ll rest and read my book,” I try to relax, waiting for strength to return.

“…I will give you rest.”

I remember a sunny beach day. Gulf waves have tossed me as I pushed through, exerting my strength. I’m out past toe touching point. Weariness steals up. The swim back to shore makes me anxious. 

“Float on your back,” I remind myself. I have a choice. The salty water buoys me up. I rest, sun gently warming, relaxation renewing strength. When I am ready, I swim back to shore.

How many days do I strive and forget? 

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…

I always have a choice. Strive or rest? What will I choose? When exhaustion seeps in, I don’t have to muscle my way through. There is another way to shore.

“For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).

The choice is mine always, not just when I’m sick, or tired from swimming. I hear Jesus say,

“Anna, Anna, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needful” (from Luke 10:41, NIV). And I ask myself 

“What will it be? Make a wise choice.”

Roll that care onto Him. You know He cares for you. Only this is needful. The choice to rest is yours.