Comfort

My sister and I were blessed with numerous great aunts and great uncles when we were children. Uncle Simon and Aunt Lil didn't have any children of their own but lavished attention on their family, which included me and Gail. I have wonderful memories of going to visit them at their house on the bay in Rockport, Texas. Uncle Simon was the first family member that I was close to that died and it took a heavy toll on my heart. I don't like illness, pain or death but when it happens to someone I care about, it hurts. So when I read the passage in the lectionary this morning for my devotional time, I was reminded of Uncle Simon. During his funeral, the pastor who had known him and Aunt Lil for decades, spoke of their love for one another and also quoted numerous scripture by heart. This passage from Matthew in particular gave me comfort:

11:28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

11:29 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.

11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."