The LORD set his heart on you. // Deuteronomy 7:7
My spring was unusually full, traveling nearly every weekend, January through April, to speak and lead retreats. And these were often fraught with challenges.
At one retreat center, the power, heat, and water went out due to a terrible snowstorm. Yet not one woman left. Not one grumbled. At another retreat, my brand-new laptop, which had all of my talks for the weekend on it, died. At another, a historic ice storm shut down the city. I barely made it to the event. It’s not uncommon for events to be plagued with thorns in this way. But by the end of this run of work, I was so worn down, I was ready to collapse.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,” Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
But what can this mean when I find myself so exhausted and there’s so much more work to do?
I’m not advocating for working yourself to death, but I am aware that in every instance, the Lord has provided. At every retreat, every talk, in every kind of weather, in every time zone, no matter the obstacles, the Lord provided the energy, creativity, and the means needed to bring Him glory. And there is rest that surpasses all understanding in His provision.
On this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I want to remember that the Lord indeed has His Heart set on me, His Sacred Heart, His Heart that was pierced for my offenses. And it is His Heart that accompanies me in and truly accomplishes this work.
Rest in the Lord’s Sacred Heart today. Yoke yourself to His Heart and let Him accomplish what He will through your labor and your burdens, whatever they may be.
Liz Kelly Stanchina is a jazz singer who met Jesus in late-night adoration. She is the community leader for women’s formation at the Word on Fire Institute and the author of more than a dozen award-winning books, including Jesus Approaches, Love Like a Saint, and the Blessed is She Advent devotional A Thrill of Hope. She holds advanced degrees in creative writing and Catholic studies. She is trained as a spiritual director, leading retreats and speaking around the world with a particular focus on helping women to flourish in their faith. Visit her website at LizK.org or follow her on Instagram at LizKToday.
Walk With Us this Advent
Get Your Prayerful Planner
