Come Unto Me

Today is a time like most of us have never seen before, except those who are still alive and survived the influenza pandemic of 1918-19. Known as the “Spanish Flu,” millions of confirmed cases of people were plagued and it is estimated that more than a million people died worldwide. During this time they did things comparable to today’s COVID-19 pandemic, and the emotions of the people skyrocketed then just as today.

From our biblical text today is the Lord’s invitation, just as others come in our lives for many reasons. Like an invitation for a job or party or wedding, this text is an invitation to every person, one like none other. As a chaplain in and out of the field I know firsthand how hard our partners labor, which at times can be troublesome. They are often in need of some peaceful rest, maybe a day or several for some relaxation, or time away from it all on vacation.

I am amazed how hard our partners work having such passion and caring for our residents/patients. During my own visits I get a chance to brag on our partners and often the patients or their families beat me to it, and I smile because it does my heart good to hear what I already know. In our Pruitt facilities most partners know me, and they, too, are loyal in their work. I hear compliments about their good care and kindness, and I smile again for the same reasons.

Humbleness is what this chaplain sees from our text; many have learned about God and it shows in their actions and words. I have been blessed to have prayer with our partners on many occasions. They have taken upon them this yoke as found in the text, being trained in life and their profession(s) in their desire to do “good and no harm.” But if one were to call to their attention what they do, and refer to it as a “yoke,” you may get a puzzled look on their face because it is something ingrained in them and they do it naturally without thought.

I believe they need to hear the good they are doing and hear it often, because our partners’ labor of love is ongoing day after day. This is a ministry of Godly servanthood which should not be taken lightly. Its calling is of the highest importance and knowing this, we can conclude with the blessed satisfaction each day. Some days can seem gloomy and long, indeed, but we muster up that energy from our passion which is inside us all: the strength that sees us through to the end of the day’s labor of love. Not all days feel like that; in fact, most are filled with positives along with laughter and smiles. Our partners know how to take a negative and turn it into a positive, such as a gloomy long day. I pray that the rest mentioned in the text reaches them in their knowing what they have done to help another soul have a better day.