“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 11:28-30).
Rest is essential for us in many ways. Without rest—and more specifically sleep—our mind and body are unable to function the way they were designed. We become unhealthy as our bodies go into chaos attempting to simply survive.
The same goes for the rest Jesus provides: without it we begin to lean on ourselves and away from Jesus, driving our bodies and minds alike to exhaustion.
Amidst the chaos of the school year, people still refuse rest when it is offered to us in the most obvious way: physically spending time to be home or play through annual leave, long service leave or sabbatical. Our need for schedules and productivity have become almost a modern addiction as we find any way to keep busy. We turn from rest without even realising it.
Resting in Jesus is more than just a physical halt from activity. It is something we are called to tap into at all times, allowing Him to pour into us and work through us at all times. It is laying everything down at His feet and trusting that He will and has already done the work, all we need to offer is our obedience.
Jesus’ most famous words about rest are found in Matthew: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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” Matthew 11:28-30. This is an invitation to step into a life led by Jesus, in which he promises rest for weary and burdened souls.
It can be hard to know what it means to “come to Jesus” when you’re weary. You may be thinking “I’m already saved, I’ve already come to Jesus and I’m still exhausted.” These are moments when we have to ask ourselves if we are actually walking with Jesus and allowing Him to pour into us.
There is no striving in Jesus. He has already finished all the work that needs to be done, all He asks is that we come to Him and let Him do the work He so desires to do in our hearts.
2023 has, for many of you, become the year you have stopped to rest in one form or another. Post covid, you have taken time to restore your soul through extended time at home, long walks or pilgrimages, travel to parts of Australia or overseas. The second half of the year Karen, Anton, Anthony, David B, Jodie, Luke and Doug will all take some time away to rest and refresh.
We also thank Darrin Schumacher (St Andrews LC), Sarah Schnetker (Bethania LPS), Richard Cornish (Redeemer LC Rochedale), Megan Worthington (Redeemer LC, Biloela), Michael Stock (T3 Good Shepherd LC, T4 St James LC), Tyson Kenny (Faith LC Plainland), Selina Kinne and Kellie Hardke (LORDS), Steven Lake (St John’s LS) and Jackie Minnikin (Concordia LC) who are stepping up or continuing in their acting principal roles. LEQ, along with colleague principals, welcome you with prayer, encouragement and when desired, advice.
I would like to congratulate Rebecca McConnell on her permanent appointment in the role of Principal at Bethany LPS, Pastor Mark Blackwell as he takes up a new parish role in Toowoomba and Colin Minke in his new role of Executive Director for LEVNT from January 2024.
Recruitment for the current principal vacancies is underway for Bethania LPS, Immanuel LC and Redeemer LC, Biloela. We anticipate that Peace LPS, Gatton will be advertised shortly. Please keep the schools and colleges along with the recruitment panels and councils in your prayers. Please also prayerfully consider these opportunities for yourself or fellow senior leaders.
May we continue to pray for Peace LC, Cairns along with Good Shepherd LC and St Andrews LC as their staff and families continue to support those whom they love dearly. May the opportunities for rest or work bring joy and fulfillment for you all in semester 2 2023.
God Bless
Tanya