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Sabbath breathWednesday, December 7, 2016
Matthew 11:28-30 I get out of breath these days, when I lean over too long or do too much all at once. And I think of dad almost every time. His breathlessness brought him falling down at the feet of Jesus. And he said so. "Thank you, Jesus." I see him looking up at me. The smile. His face stretches out, his eyes implore me for help. There was a time in the hospital when he was breathing badly, and I suggested a couple of things. Breathe in as deep as you can, and then breathe out as much of your air as you can. More, more. Hold that. Let your diaphragm rest just a little. Now, breathe in. Dad had always told me what to do, and I felt pretty strange turning the tables. Then he tried what I said, and it helped. I think we were both amazed. Margaret's Apple watch gives her wrist a little thump every so often during the day, and the screen says, "Breathe!" Don't forget to breathe. But we do. All the time. Jesus didn't say it, but when we come to him heavy-laden, we are usually out of breath too. Why? Well, we haven't been taking our Sabbaths, that's why. We've grown unaccustomed to trusting God. But Jesus is gentle, and doesn't punish us for breaking a rule. He just says, "Here, let me. And you just take one breath, and then another, and be with me while you do." Lord, let me be mindful. Mindful of breathing, yes, and mindful of being with you. Your yoke is easy, your burden is light, and oh ... the places we will go! |
What a friend we have in Jesus. That was my dad's favorite song, after "I'll Fly Away." As he got older and his back grew bent, he still smiled. Surrounded by pain and his crooked, usually out-of-breath body, his struggling smile seemed stronger than ever.