Hidden Hurts

Read Matthew 11:25-30

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 28-30 (NRSV)

Kate Rietema, from Michigan, glanced at her five-year-old daughter just as she touched the tip of a hot glue gun. She silently yanked her finger back, hid her hand in her lap, and bent forward in pain. Kate exclaimed, "Piper! Are you okay?" Kate pulled her hand from her lap and saw a large blister on her fingertip.

Piper is independent, tough, and always trying to keep up with her three older sisters. As Kate ran cold water over her finger, she recalled many other instances when Piper hid her hurts from her: when her skin got pinched in a heavy metal clip, when she took a nasty fall off her bike, when she was being teased at school. It pains Kate's heart to watch Piper hurt alone. She wants her to come to her and tell her how she is hurting so Kate can comfort her and help carry her pain.

Reading Matthew 11:28, Kate thinks Jesus feels the same way about us. So why is Kate reluctant to bring her hurts and burdens to him? Jesus loves us and wants us to tell him our hurts, even though he already sees and knows them. When we come to Jesus, pouring out our weary hearts, he gives us rest.

Prayer: Loving God, help us to bring our hurts and heartaches to you. We thank you for the rest you offer, in Jesus' name. Amen.