‘Coach, we’re just exhausted’
games. Of course this past Friday was what has become known as the “annual” Gordon Central/ Sonoraville scrimmage game. Again it proved to be a great time for Gordon County as the two teams squared off, with the air filled with the sound of two awesome bands, and both awardwinning cheerleading teams showcased the little girls who attended their camps over the summer.
For me and many others, it was a homecoming of sorts. Even as I was on the visiting team’s sideline, my mind was filled with memories of playing in Ratner Memorial Stadium, with my high school friends ( several were also on one sideline or the other Friday). I thought of particular games and certain plays; many I hope to remember forever, and a few I wish I could forget. One of my friends was a great player, and his parents were really involved in the booster program, so it seemed as if he could say whatever he wanted to. I’ll never forget one day we were walking around at practice, and Coach Dain Clark was reaming us about dragging around and apparently not getting much accomplished. He asked why we were carrying ourselves in such a way. It was in that moment that John Lee, of the tremendous class of 1993, spoke up and said, “Coach, ( with a huge sigh) we’re just exhausted.” Everyone on the field, probably even Coach Clark, cracked- up. It was one of my favorite high school moments ever!
Fast forward some 25 years later, and I find myself feeling that very way, very often. Growing up, we never knew the stress that came with being an adult. Now that that I’m what I suppose is a middle- aged adult, I find that my life is so busy. My body certainly isn’t what it used to be. There’s always somewhere to be, and I’m usually running late. While I’m blessed with more than 3,000 friends on Facebook to try and keep up with, and 3 jobs, I often near collapse from exhaustion.
It’s in these times when we’re worn that the Devil swoops in to tempt and even attack us. He’s good at it, as he’s been doing it a long time. Maybe you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders from time to time. Heartaches, disappointments and loss may have left you wanting to give up. If so, ponder with me on the promise that Jesus gave to us in Matthew 11: 28 where he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
What an encouraging word to know that The Lord cares for us so much that He bids us come to Him and receive rest. No matter what our circumstances are, or the hurt that we’re feeling, Jesus offers us rest. It’s like a Sunday afternoon nap at my parents’ house. I can crawl up in the unseen arms of my Savior and rest.
Are you exhausted today? Close your eyes and silently call on His name. You don’t have to be anything but still. Try it, and Be Blessed.