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His Yoke Is Easy, His Burden Is Light
In a previous "Daily Word" devotional, I wrote about my love for Handel's "Messiah" and how I listen to it on repeat from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Here's a twist to the story that I didn't expect.
Eight days before Christmas, I slipped and fell, fracturing both my left wrist and right elbow. Oh, the plans I had for those eight days! Packages to wrap and ship, a house to finish decorating, food to prep, worship services to attend and so much more. Instead, I was unable to do even the most basic things for myself.
As grateful as I was that neither fracture required surgery, I struggled with a sense of loss. While I rather quickly rearranged my expectations for how the house would be decorated, what food would be served or how beautifully gifts would be wrapped, I couldn't imagine being unable to paint or create anything with my hands. I had planned to give myself two weeks in my studio to explore new mediums and materials with no thought of displaying or selling the work — merely for the joy and delight of creating. None of that was possible.
Amid the physical and emotional pain, I began to pray. I wanted clarity about where my attention should be focused during my recuperation. I heard nothing, sensed nothing. That continued for several days, so I began to pray as I have in other times of doubt or confusion: Lord, let me hear a word from your Word. Still nothing.
Meanwhile, I struggled to sleep. With both upper extremities affected, I couldn't find a comfortable position or relief from the pain. One night, I finally got to sleep but was awakened by my phone alarm playing "His yoke is easy, his burden is light." In my pain-fog, I reached to turn it off, struggling to figure out why it was playing since I'd never set an alarm tone to any song — much less a chorus from "Messiah."
Weeks later, my bones are healing, my flexibility is being restored and I'm ready to have the restrictions lifted when I finish physical therapy. I can now make an entry in my journal that says, "Well played, Lord! Well played. I asked for a word from Your Word and You sang it to me in my pain. You answered saying, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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, NRSV)
Thanks be to God.
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