Lazy or Loaded?

The other day my husband referred to himself as "lazy" regarding why he has not been working out like he used to over the past few years.  I quickly responded to him that he is not lazy by any means.  I know my husband, and lazy is not who he is.  He is a hard-working, devoted man of integrity...far from lazy.  Sure he has his lazy moments, as do I, but in no way would I characterize him as lazy. 

Loaded...no, not in the sense of $$$...but loaded with responsibilities and even daily physical tasks that lead to him being very understandably tired, hence the lack of energy or drive to work out.

How about you?  Does that sound at all like your life and daily LOAD?

You know far better than anyone else all of the mind-boggling issues weighing on your mind in addition to the various necessary physical tasks and other responsibilities you have.  Does all of that end up overwhelming you and leaving you physically, mentally and emotionally drained!?!

When I did a quick word search on the words "lazy", "overwhelmed", and "rest", I found that there are far more times in the Bible where the word "overwhelmed" and even "rest" are referenced than the word "lazy".  True, laziness is a big problem and even a sin and should be dealt with seriously.  However, I think more often than not, we tend to see ourselves as lazy because we are not keeping up the pace of what we think we should be doing.  We are not fulfilling expectations we have put on ourselves.  We are expecting something of ourselves that is not necessarily what God expects of us or even what others expect of us.  I think that more often we are actually "overwhelmed" by the bombardment of things to do and keep up with in our fast-paced societies.  Additionally, there are many things I found in the Bible that we are specifically overwhelmed by:  dread, guilt, horror, sorrow, amazement, and even wonder.  Do any of those fit you?  Do all of those fit you at some point? 

I was just speaking with my precious cousin last night whose 5-year-old beautiful, spunky daughter is being treated for a brain tumor.  Our local community has responded literally overwhelmingly to this dear girl's cause.  There have been multiple fundraisers with turnout in the 100's and untold dollar amounts given to her fund...often by people who don't even know them personally.  My cousin is a very non-spotlight, humble person, and this wonderfully loving and gracious response for her daughter truly has her overwhelmed.  She is so very thankful, yet does not know how to react.  Is that you as well?  Would that be you if you were in her situation?

Overwhelmed...Loaded...definitely NOT Lazy.

In times where we get overwhelmed by whatever it may be at that moment, we inevitably hit that point where our body and our mind say...ENOUGH!  REST!  (That's a built-in factory perk installed by our intelligent and loving Creator!)

So, the next time you are tempted to get down on yourself and call yourself "lazy" because you're not keeping up with the Joneses physically, financially, or otherwise...stop and re-evaluate.  Is "lazy" really the right description of who you are overall?  If not, then let yourself do what comes naturally and REST.  It's okay.  You are no less of a person because you aren't living up to expectations that you may be unfairly putting on yourself.

I read a couple of great quotes today about that:
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein

"Our God is no fair-weather Father. You can count on him to be in your corner no matter how you perform." - Max Lucado


And on the subject of rest:
"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest" (Psalm 55:6)  (Wouldn't that be nice!?!)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-30)

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  (Exodus 33:14)

Lighten your Load...you're NOT Lazy...Rest in Him!