Werner drags himself laboriously into the living room. He barely manages to dial the emergency number. He’s breathing heavily and can hardly catch his breath. It feels as if a heavy weight were pressing down on his chest. He describes his symptoms over the phone. The emergency responders arrive in a few minutes.

Oxygen is administered—he is able to get back on his feet and breathe deeply again. For further evaluation, he is taken to the hospital, which he is able to leave after a few days.

That experience—not being able to breathe, not getting enough air, and the feeling of a heavy burden almost crushing him—left a lasting impression on him.

“You know,” he says, describing his experience, “it’s become a metaphor for me. How often do I carry burdens around with me? I live without forgiveness, hold a grudge against someone, worry.”

Jesus Christ’s offer is extended to all of us:

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 
Matthew 11,28

Give it a try; take the plunge. Bring whatever is weighing you down to Jesus. He will take your burden away and set you free.

Weekly text: Matthew 11,25-30