My yoke is easy and my burden is light
Imagine a young man working in his job, raising a family. He is dedicated to his wife and spends time with her and the children in activities and holidays as they can afford. But one thing is missing: he has abandoned the faith of his fathers and ancestors.
This is more a usual situation today. There just is little time for church commitment Sunday mornings, and there is little inclination toward it. But time marches on. Children graduate and the prospect of an early retirement appears.
Inevitably there will come a day when his doctor will share unwelcome news. Let us say it is stage four cancer. Suddenly the solid platform under his feet disappears. He scrambles for adjustments and how to accommodate this news which is but a natural occurrence in the lives of us all.
I know of a man who faced this situation and was unable to cope. He returned to his home and suicide took his life. There was nothing else to help him make a stand. He fell victim to another illness that took him against his will.
Where is the good life? How do we cope with natural tragedies? In all our lives there will be illness and physical decline as we age. In the container of life there is joy and suffering, good fortune and misfortune.
Let us look at several examples of individuals who aspired to greatness despite life’s obstacles. Elizabeth Gilbert suffered a painful divorce and crippling depression. She went on a journey of self-discovery that included travelling to Italy, India and Indonesia. Her memoir Eat, Pray, Love inspired millions worldwide to embrace change and pursue happiness even in our darkest moments.
Christ Gardner was homeless and struggling to provide for his young son. Through sheer determination he became a successful stockbroker and entrepreneur. Never giving up on his dreams his story became a movie The Pursuit of Happiness starring Will Smith.
Oprah Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi and endured abuse and neglect in her childhood. Her unyielding determination and commitment to education helped her emerge as one of the most influential media moguls in the world.
Winfrey’s faith was a big influence, starting from Baptist roots and including meditation and prayer mindfulness. Her faith helped her through hard times. Today her blend of science, mysticism and activism reflect her journey of faith through chaotic times.
In all our lives there will be challenges, uphill climbs and trials that will test our mettle. If we are fortunate enough to have a Christian background, faith of our fathers carried through generations and passed on to us, the beliefs and truths we learned in childhood will make our journey easier.
Inevitably we will encounter those moments that will challenge our lives and our courage. Our physical strengths and money will be powerless against the inevitable challenges of health and life. How will we stand?
Falling back on our faith and trust in God will deliver us. The faith that endured generations of before us, that survived wars and immigration to new lands, will give us reassurance and peace.
“Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light”(Matthew 11:28-30).
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