For the past week the skies have been overcast.  The sun, while still underneath the cloud's blanket, seems to be a thing of the past.  My three year old, confused, will ask me, "momma, is it really morning now?" because there has been no cheery morning sunshine lighting his room.

The lack of the sun wears us out.  Moods seem a bit shorter, and tiredness has crept into my family's day.  My five year old moaned this morning because it was "yucky" outside again today.  The days creep by, and we all seem a bit more agitated.  Exhausted.  Where is the light?

It's become difficult to manage time these past couple days.  I've been excessively busy with outside commitments (which I discussed in the previous post), and on top of it, have been trying to deal with the fatigue that I feel when I don't get my daily vitamin D source.  But, despite the physical tiredness, I feel mentally alive and alert.  And that is not from myself, that is from the Father.  When He fills me with His hope and Word, then I can move forward alive and full of life. 

There are seasons where everything is dark and dismal.  Perhaps it's finances, or a relationship, or health, or just general exhaustion with life.  During those times if the only source of strength is self - then I became quickly discouraged and as Brennan stated "yucky."  Still it is difficult in the midst of trials to look beyond the present reality and set of circumstances.  Society and human nature can apply pressures to our lives at an unrelenting pace.  After awhile, our view of the future can be tainted a dismal and cloudy gray. 

Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you wil find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

In the NIV I believe labor is replaced with the word - weary.  Oh, how true those words of Jesus are for us today.  As wives and mothers, we labor endlessly.  Our work doesn't cease when the skies of life become overcast, no...we press forward.  And yet, after awhile, the yoke of the world wears us out.  We allow the agitation of reality to sink into our souls.  There is no rest when our spirit is overcast! 

Jesus tells us to come to Him.   In Him is true rest.  I always chuckle when I think about a yoke being called easy.  When is it easy to be constrained?  But, when I read these words I don't picture life with Jesus being constrained...rather in yoking myself to my Savior I imagine and know that there is real freedom.  Freedom in the midst of overcast and weary days. 

Who knows when the skies here will finally part and the sun will shine.  I know it's under there, waiting to shine.  I have faith that there will be sun again.  I also have faith that our Savior is always there, wanting us to release our fears and anxieties to Him and that He will give rest.  A rest that cannot be found in self or in this world, but a rest that is sweet and peaceful...in any weather.

Blessings,

Rachel