In Europe, I had a red enamel tea kettle that I used for my nightly spot of tea. As the temperature inside boiled, that teapot didn’t merely whistle. It shrieked. It would scare my guests, probably even my neighbors down the street. It sounded like a child or animal being tortured. When the screech reached its crescendo, the cap would shoot off the tea kettle, flying across the room like a white hot bullet, searing anything or anyone that happened to be in its trajectory.

I feel like that teapot right now.

As the massive projects I’m involved with at work have reached a fever pitch of intensity and urgency, every spare minute is claimed. Between houseguests (love this) and plodding along with my graduate classes (not so much love here), my life feels like it’s consumed. This isn’t how I like to live. The record temperatures and humidity climbing hasn’t helped. The pressure feels out-of-control.

I wonder if I’m about to explode. I hope nobody’s in my way if I do.

Can you relate? If so, join me in taking a deep breath, stretching those sore muscles that hold all the stress, and symbolically handing your burden over to the Lord. His shoulders can take it on – all of it – without feeling an ounce of tension.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.