Light Bearers,
Perhaps you’ve seen the 1992 Australian cult classic Strictly Ballroom. One of the most iconic lines, “I’ve got my happy face on!”, is shrieked by an ambitious mother of a ballroom competitor through gritted teeth as she is backstage watching on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Basically, it’s an “I’m fine!” moment.
Smiling at all costs.
Today I had an alternative insight into “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” from this week’s Gospel passage from Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Maybe it isn’t about easy work and a light load. The burden of being light in the world is the profound emotional, psychological, and social weight that comes from choosing to live with absolute integrity, empathy, and truth in a world that often prefers the opposite. Marching in the light of God is work; work gladly taken on but nonetheless work. I’m still working this alternative insight out.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as I share what has been revealed.
Love,
Rev. Michael
P.S. Happy Interdependence Day!