Soaking Up the Son
By Jen Wollner
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
As I sat in the warm sunshine of the Southwest, it was hard to believe that just hours before I was fighting the below-freezing winter weather of Wisconsin. While winters can be beautiful as the sparkling snow covers every surface, after a few months, the novelty really starts to wear off. Day after day of snow, slush, clouds, wind-chill, ice, hats, mittens, coats, boots…well, winter goes from majestic to burdensome and messy. Without much sun and fresh air, my whole perspective on life begins to change. Besides being stir-crazy, I sometimes get down and discouraged and lethargic. By January, I’m convinced that winter will never end!By Jen Wollner
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
But, it’s amazing what just a few minutes in the warm, sunny, snow-free weather can do for a person’s psyche. Whether it’s on vacation in another part of the country or here in Wisconsin on a summer day, right away we feel less stressed, less weighted down. Even a short time in the sun causes us to feel more alive and optimistic about life. We’re recharged and relaxed. A peace and comfort settles over us as we soak in every ray.
That’s how it is when we spend time with the Son, Jesus Christ, too. As we read His Word or spend time with Him in prayer, the cares of this world begin to fade. As we soak in His love for us, joy and peace come over us. As we drink of His living water, we thirst for nothing else. He promises that if we come to Him when we are weary and burdened, He will give us rest. We can look for rest in lots of other places or things, but nothing carries a promise like that, does it?!
Like the burdens of winter, the struggles of daily life can zap our energy and zeal. But, just as some time in the sun changes our mood and perspective, so can spending time with the Son. Whether it’s for a few minutes, a few hours or a few days, a get-away with the Lord will prove to be a worthwhile investment. And the most amazing truth is that God delights in this time, too, as He showers His love and affection on us.
Take a break in the Son today…and soak Him up!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you enjoyed a get-away with the Lord today, even for just a few minutes? Whether your answer is yes or no, how do you feel?
2. What plans can you set to make sure you get your daily dose of the Son?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 23: 2-4; Psalm 29:11; Psalm 107:8-9
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
