When You Just Can't Even

Today's readings were so hilarious and good! Don't you just love when the readings just jump out to you?

I was trying to get the kids to whisper when I heard the complaints of Moses to God in the first reading that sounded all too familiar:

"Why are you so displeased with me

that you burden me with all this people?…

I cannot carry all this people by myself,

for they are too heavy for me.

If this is the way you will deal with me,

then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face this distress."

Ok a little dramatic but… I must confess I’ve said similar if not the exact things to God myself about my own children! Have you ever felt this way about your kids? Demands of those around you? Keep reading…

The first reading ends that way… but the Psalm and Gospel answer Moses’ and my (and maybe your) exhausted prayer…

The Responsorial Psalm, “Sing with joy to God our help.” Reminds us that when we feel we just CAN'T EVEN with life, it is a good thing indeed to tell him all about it. The joy comes from knowing he hears your prayer… and will always provide what you need. Which brings us to the Gospel, the Feeding of the 5K, but I distinctly remember how it began:

“When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.”

Jesus was heartbroken to hear about his cousin’s death, I’d imagine and just wanted some alone time. How many times has life been heartbreaking, overwhelming, or stressful and we just. need. a. minute. to gather ourselves.

Jesus shows us he does too.

But just like our children do to us, the crowds heard where Jesus was and went to him. Sound familiar?

When he saw them, “his heart was moved with pity for them” and he continued to serve, to heal, and eventually, to feed. I can't tell you how many times my kids did this when they were little and still do today! Whenever I try to hide for a bit, just for some sweet, sweet alone time, they find me. And sometimes, my heart is moved with pity for them.

In the Gospel today, Jesus preforms a special miracle. He models something very important: He takes what we can give Him, and he multiplies it until it’s enough.

If you ever feel like you just can’t even with your kids: meals, cleaning, changing diapers, breaking up fights, and trying to pour out when you're tired, sad, stressed, overstimulated…

First of all, you’re not alone. Even Moses talked crap about his people to God so don’t feel bad about when you do the same haha.

Second of all, and probably most important-when life is hard and your people are trying your last nerve, don’t be afraid to go to a deserted place (like a locked bathroom or even a dark closet ;) ) and tell God all about it. Give him all the loaves and fish, er I mean, strength and patience you have. Then stand back and watch Him multiply it.