I love music! 

I cannot sing …..at all!  I have no idea what it means to sing ‘on key’ or to harmonize. 

But I love music! 

When I was in elementary school I “tried out” for junior high choir.  That was the first time I realized I couldn’t sing.  My very kind music teacher very sweetly told me that there were many things I could do, but choir was probably not going to be one of those things. 

But I love music! 

I watch “The Voice” and am in awe.  I want to be able to do what those people do!

Because I love music!

I enjoy many different genres of music, but praise music hits me in all the feels.  Especially when I am feeling worn-down, discouraged, or particularly vulnerable.  I am constantly reminded of God’s love for me through lyrics that literally touch my heart and soul. 

One song that has been speaking directly to me these days is “Weary Traveler” by Jordan St. Cyr.  I know so many of us, sweet friends, are weary.  Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Weary from the constant demands with little reprieve, less respect, and barely any rest.  The world seems to be chewing up teachers, medical personnel, and actually every one of you who are showing up every day trying to make the best of just a crummy situation right now.

The beginning of this song says it best:

“Weary traveler
Beat down from the storms that you have weathered
Feels like this road just might go on forever
Carry on

You keep on givin’
But every day this world just keeps on takin’
Your tired heart is on the edge of breaking
Carry on

Weary traveler, restless soul
You were never meant to walk this road alone
It’ll all be worth it so just hold on
Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long”

(Weary Traveler, Jordan St. Cyr)

With all that’s going on in the education world these days, we, teachers, sure feel beaten down.  Then add all of the expectations from the COVID crazy that seem to be going on forever.  Weary traveler, restless soul….

Maybe your situation looks like the world just keeps trying to take something, everything from you. And, every day you are making the best of it, but you are on the edge of breaking.  Weary traveler, restless soul….

So much truth in those lyrics. However, the line that takes my breath away is, “You were never meant to walk this road alone.”

None of us has ever been promised a leisurely, trouble-fee road.  Some days may seem easier and some seasons may seem more difficult, but God is always there. Holding our hand or carrying us through, He is always there…. if we call on Him.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29: 12-13 (NIV)

There is so much going on, so many distractions, that sometimes I forget I don’t have to take care of everything myself.  I don’t have to be the one to fix it.  I don’t have to be the one to weather the blame.  I don’t have to worry about the “what-ifs”.  God is good at being God, so I need to let Him.  When I seek Him, I know He’s right there with me.  Blessing me, loving me, giving me the peace, the joy, the grace I need to keep going.

I know so many of you are struggling on many different levels right now.  I pray that this reminder, this song, and these scriptures can bring you the same comfort and peace as they do for me. If you need more praise songs (I promise I won’t sing them to you!) or need specific prayers, please reach out!  Sometimes God shows up in friendship to remind you that you are not alone.  (Another blog topic…)  

So, carry on, my friends, weary travelers.  Whatever is making you weary these days, please know that you are NEVER alone. 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

You won’t be weary long.