One of my few memories from second grade is that one of my classmates asked the teacher why we didn’t get homework like their older sibling.

At the time I didn’t know what homework was. As I recall the teacher then let the class vote on whether we wanted homework – and the vote was “yes”! From that time on we had homework, even though some of us asked the teacher to disregard the vote.

My classmate was like the young child who can’t wait to help a parent vacuum the room, do the dishes, or mow the lawn. Somehow, as time goes by, what the child was so eager to do becomes a bothersome chore. Growing up means an ever-increasing list of chores and responsibilities, and not all fun or easy.

Eventually (unless you have an excellent memory!) there are “to do” lists. And calendars that fill with appointments, events, and – yes – “to do” items. Then we can prioritize, even as more things can be added so nothing gets forgotten. 

Technology makes it easier – once we learn how to use it. Then instead of the satisfaction of crossing off what’s done, some things can just get moved to next week, next month, or even next year. And even with technology, do you still use paper lists?

What actually gets done? It’s so tempting to do what we want to do, what’s quickest or easiest, or what feels most urgent. It takes discipline to complete priorities first.

There’s a lot of pressure to do, to accomplish, to measure success by activities, especially if we’re competitive. FOMO (fear of missing out) is a thing, especially if we compare ourselves to others.
There sometimes is a demanding boss, or our own unrealistic expectations of what we should do. 

A recent article in the Northwest Herald told about an Eagle Scout who far surpassed earning the 21 merit badges required. He earned all 137 that were available! That’s an amazing accomplishment! But the article couldn’t resist noting that, since his accomplishment, another merit badge has been added. There are now 138. Just when you think you’ve done it all, there’s something more.

This Sunday we will hear how the apostle Paul wrestled with his actions. He knew he was incapable of the discipline always to do good and resist doing anything sinful. “I know what’s right to do but I don’t do it. I do what I don’t want to do.” (These verses are full of “do” and not easy for the reader!) 

Paul concludes: “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me?”

Then he remembers what God has done. So instead of despair, Paul exclaims “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 

In Sunday’s gospel reading we will hear wonderful words of Jesus: "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”. He adds: “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

We will consider what that means as we deal with the realities of our world and daily living. There’s something more important than what we do, that puts our actions and accomplishments in perspective! Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Reverend John Cunningham