Unburdened: a moment of peace and rest

Life is a heavy load to carry these days. I am weary. I bet you are too. The concerns of 2020 keep piling up here–from coronavirus, to economic uncertainty, to racial injustice, to damaging weather patterns, to catastrophic wildfires, to religion, to politics. On and on it goes. All the stress caused by current events is weighing heavily on our hearts and minds. We long to be unburdened. We long for peace and rest.

Last week, I took a break from the news and social media. I visited two local greenhouses and then did some planting. I wrote a short story about the day and included a poem too. 

God’s gifts bring peace and rest. Come away with me…

Discover Wonder

With the cooler temperatures of autumn on the way, the greenhouses have plenty of hardy mum plants to admire. They overflow in their pots. Hundreds of green stems stand ready and waiting to burst forth with blooms. Their buds, like clenched fists, conceal colorful surprises–fall’s rich shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow.

Cherish Joy

As I walked around the bountiful displays, I took photos of the mums and other fall decor. One store manager found my picture taking curious, so he asked me if I needed help with anything. “No,” I said, “I am just admiring your arrangements and how shiny these pumpkins and gourds are.” He explained they are the work of a talented local artist who uses shellac as part of a process to enhance their appearance. “Wow,” I said, “they really gleam in the light. They make me think of Cinderella’s carriage.”

Learn Something New

Before I finished shopping, a section of tall carts caught my eye. A flood of bright blooming pansies lined their shelves. Because I had always assumed pansies were just springtime flowers, I googled them to learn more. Apparently, pansies thrive in all cooler seasons–spring, fall, and even winter in some places. Their flowers are frost-resistant and cold-tolerant. Pansies look fragile, but like mums they are actually very tough and resilient.

Be Open to Receive

The sun is shining when I get home with my plants. I gather ceramic pots, a gardening trowel, and a bag of potting soil from the garage. Then, I sit down on the grass between a new yellow mum and a tray of pansies.

“So, here we are, three living things,” I say to my plants. “This world is brutal, but we are hardy and rooted in God’s enduring love. Through all seasons of life, we can trust his control. Today, I am grateful he helps me carry my load.”

I press the dirt down firmly around the flowering faces of the pansies. Their petals lift, like they feel light on their feet, and they dance close together in the cool autumn breeze.

Unburdened

Awaken me like a child unburdened,
eager for hours open to define.
Let me see the ordinary as a privilege,
full of wonder from the One divine.

I hope to seize dear moments
and release distressing ones,
be quick with forgiveness,
and flourish from whatever comes.

See how God cares for the birds as they soar?
How he adorns the flowers as they grow?
Their needs do not escape him
and neither will my own.

So, one day at a time I pray–
God, here are my burdens.
Please pry open worry’s tight hold,
encourage my heart with generous peace,
and leave no doubt about your control.

~by Jamie Trunnel ©2020, ascripturedlife.com

This poem is included in my book A Soul’s Anchor, available on Amazon.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

Press on in faith my friends! ~Jamie

The poem Unburdened first appeared in The Unity Book: ‘Overcoming’ published by PoetryHost.com. As a collaborative work by nine Christian poets, this book celebrates God’s presence with us in the midst of difficult circumstances. Uplift your spirit today by downloading a copy. It’s our free gift to you! Find it here: The Unity Book: ‘Overcoming’.

Stay in Touch

I’d love to have you join my group of email subscribers. A Scriptured Life blog posts are sent 1 or 2 times a month. Join now and receive my list of 20 Scriptures to Tuck Away for Difficult Days.

Related Posts

Seeking 3 Kinds of Peace
The Serenity Prayer: a Road Map for Peace
Where is God when Life Hurts?
Battles, Trust, and Holding Up
While we Wait on God
The Worry Fight
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

If you enjoyed this post, then someone else might too. Please share!