The weather has been absolutely beautiful here in the Ozarks. As I often do, I went outside to enjoy my morning coffee and take advantage of God’s magnificent canvas full of brilliant fall foliage and the unusual 70 degree temperatures we’ve been having in November. It was early and I was still in my PJ’s. Usually nobody is out that early in the morning, so I wasn’t too worried about neighbors. My cat who is always a willing participant whenever I go out the door, eagerly trotted outside with me.
I set my left hand down on the patio seat as I went to sit down. I could feel something moving under my hand, but I ignored it as I took a sip of my coffee which was in my right hand. The movement under my hand was persistent. I couldn’t figure out what my cat was nudging at my hand for, so without looking, as I often do, I just gave her a little pat, but kept my hand on her so she would know I was there.
All of a sudden, I thought… “Wait! That’s my cat walking across the deck!”
I jumped so fast to my feet, spilling my coffee all over me, wondering what the heck was under my hand. YUCK! I yelped out loud and stepped away …it was a FROG! It quickly moved to the corner and tried to hide by the arm of the chair hoping I didn’t see him! He was panting so hard, his eyes were huge! That poor little thing had such a fright, and no doubt he was more scared than I was. I looked up and realized the neighbors were outside having their coffee out on their deck also, and I could hear them laughing at me.Later that day, when I was sharing with my husband my eventful morning, he asked me where it happened, so I told him the details and told him to come out and see where it happened. What? That little frog was still there! His little legs were tucked in and he was sacked out in the same little corner of the patio chair.
I couldn’t help but wonder how often we’ve been so frightened by events in our lives, hurts, and betrayals that we would rather quickly hide our face or camouflage our emotions so that they are unrecognizable. Just like that frightened little frog, these events sometimes leave us paralyzed. Has life ever frightened you and become so burdensome or weary that you would just rather sleep than take another step? Jesus understands weariness and can free you from these burdens. The rest Jesus promises is love, healing, purpose and peace of mind with God. He is the One who not only knows your weariness but who says, “I’ll walk the next step with you because I’ve been where you are”.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
~ Matthew 11:28
