Yes, yes, I know that does not make grammatical sense, but I knew everyone would understand the meaning behind it. For me, like many others, the last few weeks have been extremely busy. Teaching, completing Semester 2 reports, Pre Kinder preparation, end of year planning, as well as harvest time for my family and all the extra responsibilities that come along with that. I hit the pillow each night exhausted.
It is also the time of year when our students get tired, their bodies need a break from learning and they can get a little impatient with each other. Things can seem bigger than they really are. Last week, I encouraged our primary school students that this is a time to dig deep into the Fruits of the Spirit. To show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control towards each other. To walk away if they are getting cranky and to speak words of kindness.
What gives me comfort when I am in the midst of busyness is that I know I have been through it all before. Reports will get done, editing and end of year presentations will happen, Christmas parties will be exciting, and harvest time will come to an end. But when I am in the midst of it daily, I am very conscious that I need to be renewed in Christ. I have precious little ones to look after, teach and guide. I need to remind myself of the following Bible verse. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19 NIV.
King David wrote this Psalm hundreds of years before Jesus’s arrival. But even then, God was illustrating to people that His character was constant and He was trustworthy. God has never stopped being true to who He is. He is our constant source of strength. He is our comforter and our provider. He is the one who takes care of us and meets us in our good, bad and busy times. He daily bears our burdens.
We were not created to go through life carrying heavy burdens that weigh us down. Thankfully, we don’t have to. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
When Jesus came to earth, He took our burdens onto Himself.
Our fortnightly Bible verse from Isaiah 9:6, was also written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus. It reminds us more about the character of Jesus. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 He gives wisdom and guidance, He is mighty, Father of eternity, our peace giver.
Jesus deserves our best. Let’s all dig deep, profess and possess our King, end well and make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, because after all, he is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Merry Christmas
Annette
