It seems like yesterday since I came back from vacation. How can I forget the beautiful Hapsburg architecture, the stunning landscapes and delectable food? Going on vacation is something that I cherish. However, towards the end of vacation, I’m always ready to get back to see the people I love, my home and my pets.
One thing that is certain, though, is that whenever I come back from vacation, although I’m very happy to be back, part of me doesn’t want to be back due to the amount of work needed to be done. Upon my arrival, I spent a whole afternoon replying to emails that needed replying. There were phone calls, home visits, individual crises, as well as the other administration work that needed to be done. And, with our fall schedule, it is surprising that I’m even standing.
Our work and vocation often feel like grindstones. Day-to-day we labor and, as we work harder and harder, the grindstones of life seem to take more and more away from us. Sadly, due to such workloads, many individuals either burnout, give-out or simply give-in. I’m always saddened the number of people who give-up on God and God’s church during very difficult times. I cannot blame them as, when I’m super stressed, the first thing that seems to suffer in my life is my prayer life. I know I need to pray but often the words or spirit don’t follow.
When we find the grindstone too hard to bear, let us never forget the One who will take the burden from us and carry all our difficult loads. There is nothing we can do or think that our Saviour isn’t already holding for us. When we allow God to be God and take our worries, cares and turmoils and, instead, take on God’s yoke, we realize that our burden is no longer difficult, in fact, it is light.
I am definitely happy to be back, to be in ministry and to share the Good News. When my life gets too busy, though, I will never forget that I and you have a God who will dull our grindstones and make our lives much easier to bear.
Copyright © 2006 The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer