There are too many things which can easily tip us into overload, causing our heads to spin as we try to cope with everything going on around us.
The Euro referendum was a disorienting and confusing event for many people, and it looks like it will take some time before we get back to calmer times.
I was reminded recently of how disorienting travel can be. We went by ferry and I recalled the time we travelled, I should say tossed about in a heavy sea, between Boulogne and Dover. It did not end happily. During June I drove an elderly cousin between Peterborough and her home near Oswestry. As we hit all the roundabouts on the A5 she asked if I could take them as gently as possible as she was feeling ill.
There's nothing worse than being disorientated.
Jesus recognised how wearying life can be. When he began his ministry, telling people about the presence of the heavenly kingdom, the power of the kingdom was plain for all to see. Matthew takes up the story .."Jesus travelled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread throughout Syria. People brought to him all those who had various kinds of diseases, those in pain, those possessed by demons, those with epilepsy, and those who were paralysed, and he healed them. Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from the areas beyond the Jordan River." (Matt 4:23-25)
And Jesus was filled with compassion when he saw people struggling .."Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)
Jesus message was simple - "change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven." He comes to us today inviting us to join him in the kingdom and to feel and know its transforming power in our lives. It's a power to release people from the disorientation of life - a power to bring joy to our hearts and minds - a power which lasts eternally.
