Well, hello!

We are alive and aware today, and that is something to celebrate! I thought it would be fun to give you five minutes of encouragement each Friday, starting today.

Why Friday? So glad you asked. For some of us, Friday is the end of a work week and the beginning of taking a deep breath, finding that cozy corner of the couch and relaxing after a stressful week. (If Friday’s a typical day like any other, well, we can thank COVID-19 for that.) And two days off somehow feel like two hours…they fly by! Before we know it, our precious weekend is filled with to-do lists, loved ones’ needs and time fillers that suck us of energy.

My hope is that this little weekly space is a way you can be encouraged each Friday (or whenever you are able to peruse it), check in with yourself, and set an intentional plan to take what you need & leave what is getting in your way. The pattern each week will be a Word of encouragement, two quick questions, and a short prayer.

Let’s get started:

Life as the entire world has known it has been forever changed in 2020. And with news media, social media, voices among our circles of friends/family/co-workers and our own internal dialogue, a LOT is being said and felt. It can be so very overwhelming. And sometimes we share in that order: 1)speak first, 2)think/feel second. Jesus says, ²⁸ “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). Here, Jesus is encouraging us to 1)think/feel first and then 2)speak.

1. Check-in: What are your heavy burdens right now? (Either write down or count on your fingers 3 specific things weighing on you right now.)
2. Action/Inaction: What is one thing you can prioritize this weekend to help release some of that burden? (Physical activity, talking to someone, journaling, action plan to alleviate some of the burden, etc.)
3. Chat with Christ: Jesus, you know what is going on with each of us, especially those areas of life that we don’t want to talk about or even admit to ourselves. Sometimes the pressure is crushing us, and we don’t feel like we can hold up the burdens any longer. Turns out, you taught us many years ago to come to you with our whole selves, laying down our burdens to rest for a season. And you will share the responsibility of the load with us. We thank you for carrying the burden and walking alongside us. Show us how to do our part and take care of ourselves. A bonus of this care is that we can love better for others. Amen.

I thank God for this opportunity to spend 5 minutes of your precious time with you. And I thank God for you and an opportunity to rest and lay down your stressful burdens for a while.

Happy weekend!

~Laurel