Worries for the Weary

Today was fast Sunday.  

When I was a kid, I used to shout "Hooray" when Mom and Dad said it was fast Sunday.

I cheered because I thought church would be shorter that day.

Today, fast Sunday  means something much different to me.

Fast Sunday is a time to reflect on those extra blessings you could use from a loving Heavenly Father.

It's a time to think about others.

Last night before I went to bed, I thought about who I wanted to fast for.  

To my surprise, I thought of quite a long list of people who could use a helping hand right now. 

For different reasons and in various ways.

I put myself in their shoes...

And I worried for the weary.

I'd like to be their hero.

Many times I find myself thinking, "What can I do?"

and it's always been clear to me...

that no one, not even I, can lend the help that God can.

It's he that I must plead with to worry for the weary.

It's a weird thought to think that the act of going without food 

could actually bless someone else's life.

But I know it does.

Last night as I began my fast, I prayed that every time I felt that twinge of hunger today, 

I would think of those weary ones

and I did.

And I felt like I was helping them in a small yet big way. 

I love this picture.

It shows that the Lord is there for us,

knocking at the door and patiently waiting for us to let him in.

But he cannot enter our hearts unless we let him. 

When we do, there is joy.

Much joy, particularly for the weary ones.