My yoke is easy and My burden is light

Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake.

I believe that God speaks to me through other people. And the times that I want to hide out are probably the times I need to reach out.

I met Father Andy this morning.

He greeted Gavin as we walked down the sidewalk to enter the church and I knew without a doubt that this moment was a God "thing". Gavin and I have been searching for a church to attend in Charleston and it has been quite an adventure (more about that later). Fr. Andy spoke directly to Gavin, allowing me to just listen. I heard God's voice. He wanted to know who Gavin was, where he was from, and wanted him to know he was welcome at St. Thomas. Fr. Andy is a teacher. He knows the power of greeting people as they enter his classroom.

Fr. Andy's homily was based on the following verses:

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Fr. Andy is a teacher and came out into the congregation to interact with us. He told stories about his travels, connecting the vocabulary words in the verse in a "text to life" context. While explaining "yoke" he said that God has custom designed our yoke just to fit us. I had never thought of this in that way. My yoke was designed just for me.

He further explained that while sometimes bad things happen to us- that is because God gives people free will. Sometimes we choose not to listen and/or to follow our own will. It is during those times that the yoke becomes heavy. God wrote the "owner's manual" for us and the Bible is that manual.

He concluded his homily by recognizing birthdays and visitors, asking them to stand and speaking directly to them. Out of a congregation of 200, he called Gavin by name and asked him to stand and share. Fr. Andy is a teacher.

I believe that God speaks to me through other people. Today it was Fr. Andy but most often it is through my family and friends. I am reminded that while on my journey, seeking courage to change, I need to be still and listen as God speaks through others.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake.