“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
There is so much pressure on moms these days. I feel it, you probably feel it too. The pressure to be perfect surrounds us, and is closing in fast! It gives me a claustrophobic feeling really. All of this weight and pressure bearing down. But the Bible says we do not have to live this way. We can walk through motherhood and life set free.
With New Year's resolutions floating around in the air like impossibly fast fireflies we try to catch every January, I invite you to pursue a new resolution, a deresolution of sorts. To be clear, I am not against New Year’s resolutions. Setting goals for yourself that will improve your life spiritually, physically, and mentally are a good thing. Jesus was all about growing in wisdom, stature, in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). I am talking about approaching life from a different vantage point, that of grace through faith. If we truly believe in the scriptures, and want to become more Christlike in character, we must walk with him, side by side, yoked to his peace, led by his love.
A yoke is a farming tool. It is the wooden crosspiece that fastens two animals side by side, and connects to a plow or cart. Jesus submits an invitation to us to take up his yoke, to walk side by side with him, to take life at his pace, and to live out our days from the well of his grace.
Will our work and household duties resolve and take care of themself? (Oh how I wish there was a magical laundry fairy!) -No. The work still must be done. But we can do it with peace. We can do it out of love.
The following is a silhouette for New Year’s resolutions that I am using. Hopefully it is loose enough to be formed and shaped according to your life and circumstances.
Go the Extra Mile. Whether it is an act of love, or simply hanging your towel up, go the extra mile as a mom and wife.
Love Small. God’s love for us is so so great. But, on this side of Heaven, it can be demonstrated in small, sometimes subtle ways. Love God and love others, even when it seems small, mundane, or maybe even monotonous. Continue to love and live for Jesus. Love and serve your family. Be kind and tenderhearted with your children. Mom with a joyful heart.
And that’s all folks! Go the extra mile, and love small this year. May God bless you and keep you- yoked to his grace, in tandem with his peace, led by his love.
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