Come To Me

Come to Me

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Have you ever found that even when you’re at a scenic place, it can be difficult to slow your pace? Georgia discovered that as she dashed upstairs to her room and grabbed some notes for the seminar she was presenting that afternoon. It was only the first day of the retreat, but already she felt caught up in the whirlwind of activities, workshops, and other time pressures. She’d hoped to have some moments to just slow down since she was away from the demands of her counseling office for two days. But it wasn’t working out that way. She was tense and hurried.

On her way out the door with her notebook, Georgia glanced out the window across Chesapeake Bay and noticed a blue heron standing on the shore. Elegant and beautiful, the bird moved slowly and deliberately, jutting out its long neck. The heron paused briefly after each step, like a bride walking down the aisle. The light on the water shimmered like diamonds in the stillness. As Georgia took in the scene, she sensed God saying to her, You were going so fast you almost missed the beauty of the heron. Stop and watch. Notice how it doesn’t exert itself or hurry.

It was the Father’s gentle admonition. As Georgia stood and watched, mesmerized, she felt the tension in her shoulders melt away. Her spirit settled as she breathed deeply, realizing what a distinct contrast the heron’s deliberate movement was to the fast-paced whirlwind of her life. Caught up in busyness, she had almost missed the beauty around her. But in a matter of moments, God had adjusted her priorities.

For weeks afterward, the image of the lovely blue heron came to Georgia’s mind, reminding her to brush aside the clamor and hurry of the world and come near to the Lord for his promised rest. —CHERI

Lord, open my eyes to the reminders you graciously put in my path to call me to rest, not frantic activity. I thank you for caring for me in so many personal, loving ways.

Jesus knows we must come apart and rest awhile or we may just plain come apart. —VANCE HAVNER (1901–1986), PREACHER, EVANGELIST, AND CONFERENCE SPEAKER