The weather’s warming up. It’s time for spring. There is something so invigorating about this time of year. Suddenly I can walk around the city with a light cardigan on, enjoy coffee outside and find myself smiling for no apparent reason at all. This winter, like the last few, has felt like I was walking through one giant foggy haze. Sickness, covid, despair everywhere. The burden of it all honestly feels too much to bear…. But now, I feel like I can smile again. A smile mixed with the emotion of only just getting through, of still teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown, but with the glimmer of hope that we are almost through. Like the relief of a mother having dropped her son at childcare after a morning of rounding up said child. Glorious freedom, but with the threat of bursting into tears at any moment in time. That is -literally- how I feel this morning.

Jesus says to me come, all you who labour and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. But can we really come? In the midst of running errands, cooking dinner and – the most challenging of all – caring for children, how can we simply come?

My mother used to say to me when we come to God we don’t have to say or do anything at all. He knows. I’d often find her resting peacefully in the lounge room chair, praise music softly filling the air and a serene look upon her face. Mum knew how to rest in God. Sometimes I used to think that all she does is rest… how does she get anything done in a day. But she knew, and now I know that it’s the only way.

I feel so flustered sometimes that I just don’t know how I am going to get through the next minute, let alone the next 18 or so years. How am I going to parent through the teenage challenges when I can barely make it through the preschool years. God help me! I know now that I need you more than ever. When we are so busy that we feel like we can’t possibly squeeze in another thing, that’s when we need him the most.

I learnt a simple trick from mum when I’m feeling exhausted and just overwhelmed. Sit in silence with God. Perhaps you need a praise tape on, or some simple meditative music, but whatever you need, just do it. God will meet you in a way you never expected when you humbly invite him into that space. And even if he does not, (or it doesn’t seem he has met you), nothing is lost. You have spent time resting in his presence. I fully believe that when we give God an open door he will walk through it without hesitation.

If you’re wondering what this is like, try it. Set a timer for 10 minutes if you must and just sit. Be present with God, and see how he is most present with you.