I enjoy information, learning, processing. But I also struggle with getting to it all. I want to know about current events, biblical archeology, theology, gardening, literature. I enjoy reading, but it's hard for me to keep up. I am notorious for letting magazines--about stuff I care about--just pile up, month after month. When I finally get around to the magazines I often find issues that are over two years old. Has it been that long since I sorted through this stack?
At some point, all this good information becomes a burden. I find this especially true in my email inbox. I subscribe to plenty of ministry newsletters. They all have so much compelling, important information. They have current events in evangelicalism, the latest leadership techniques, ways to set goals and improve communication. Many of them want to sell me this Bible study program or that sermon series. Does ministry need to be so commercial?
Then there are all the farming and gardening newsletters. Improve your soil. What to plant now. How to get rid of weeds. How to make market your produce. How to care for your livestock. How to take care of your equipment. How this successful farmer does it all.
It's all good. But it's too much. At least it's too much for me. Clearing out my inbox feels like a full-time job. I find a lot of freedom in deleting newsletters without even reading them. I have unsubscribed to many.
I need some space, some time, some breathing room. In this pandemic, it feels more important than ever.
I keep coming back to the words of Jesus: "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
