Life in all of its fullness with family, careers, travel, as well as beginnings, transitions, and endings brings at times feelings of deep weariness, fatigue, and tiredness. A view of someone’s life from the outside can often be misjudged; a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. 

A satisfying career - A satisfying career has often included years of education, multiple changes in jobs, relocations, a plethora of difficult projects, management of complex work relationships.

Each obstacle has built character, resilience, and discipline.

A well adjusted happy family -  Well adjusted happy families have worked hard on their relationships…perhaps there has been a history of deceit, deception, rejection and bitterness. However their faith in God has enabled them to forgive, to seek help with their relationships and to continue to love each other. 

Financial security - Financial security is rare for most individuals/families. Many have had experiences such as bankruptcy, loss of possessions, loss of jobs, inability to support their children.  Financial security was built over time. Their experiences teaching them valuable lessons. 

Meaningful friendships - Meaningful friendships are a true gift. These friendships were often built from painful experiences of losing friends due to selfishness, lack of attention, and lack of nurturing. Each loss brought new insights and learnings. To keep friends you must be a friend. 

In these circumstances the prophet Isiah 26 in the Old Testament and Matthew 11 in the New Testament reminds us to remember God’s love and willingness to bear our burdens which promises to provide us with strength and hope. As faithful believers in God - strength lies in converting our faith to action by caring, loving and helping our family, friends, and neighbors.  

Isaiah 26 reminds us to rely on the strength that God offers.
Matthew 11 reminds us to give Jesus our burdens.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Let both scripture readings remind us that we are never alone.