We are social creatures. Shelter in place, social distancing, physical distancing, isolation, quarantine, solitary confinement, go to your room, prison--these are situations that challenge our sanity and torture us. Freedom never looks as good as when we lose it.

We are in challenging times. This is not normal though parts of it may become the new normal. We see the society we knew tearing apart at the seams: You can’t have an acceptable wedding, and you can’t respectably bury the dead. Can you imagine what a life sentence or a death decree would be like? Maybe you’ve been there.

I love Matthew’s recollection of Jesus' describing what it will be like when the Son of Man comes in His glory, separating and gathering His sheep to the right. At last, they are safely home, and He commends them for choosing to be welcoming friends, give food and water to the hungry and clothes to the naked, visit those who were sick and the prisoners--those who needed a break. That’s what it’s like to be on the right side, which ironically sounds quite liberal!

Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (‭‭Matthew 11:28-29).

Today, we can be the “me” in Jesus' s invitation. We can care and share. We can creatively give the broken a break, which, in turn, will free us all. This joy will never end. Everyone who is thirsty and receives will be forever filled with living water. RSVP!

—Larry Smith