(I gotta be honest…I am exhausted beyond belief and my body is retaliating.  Three more days ’til we fly out to CA.  Until then there is still much to do.  But today, I am asking Jesus to help me “change clothes”…)

Weary shoulders don the thin and tattered fabric of fatigue.  Something so scarce should not feel as heavy as it does.  But somehow every worn thread seems to add the weight of a cumbersome brick.

Once just a shawl, the loose weave has now become a sweater, exhausting both arms as it wraps around them.  Limbs that were free to do all that needed to be done now feel like useless lead pipes.

But the threads do not stop there.  They transform once again and become a trench coat, that drags on the floor, taking with it the energy and life of the back, hips and legs that are meant to support the whole body.

This garment comprised of nothing but the frail yarn of exhaustion has tangled its way around every bone, joint and digit and has left each part uncooperative and rebellious.  And yet, none can seem to wrestle out of the grip of the invisible threads.

And then a voice…

“Can I take your coat?”

The Host has offered His services in removing this weighted, weightless jacket.  He will put it in the Coat Room, where coats of all kinds are taken.  Coats of illness, of guilt, of obligation, of failure, of fear.  Left in a heap of heaviness behind closed and locked doors.

But He’s not done yet.  This perfect Host makes a trade.  He brings out a robe instead.  Soft and light, yet warm and comforting.  He places it on the tired shoulders and it drapes and falls perfectly over every weary part.  He calls it His “Garment of Praise”, and though it’s fit feels loose and comfortable, it also feels as it were custom made.

Shoulders begin to relax.  Joints begin to be soothed.  Arms come back to life.  Legs renew their strength.

And the thankful heart within begins to sing…

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 61:3 – and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.