God gives us a rest

Jesus, help me talk to you about all my problems! Amen.

Jesus prayed, "I praise you, Father, because you've helped people understand my teachings if they listen like children. No one really knows me but you, and no one really knows you but me." Then He told the people: "Come to me if you've been struggling and you're tired, and I'll give you rest. Learn from me, because the work I give isn't such a burden."

People think kids are always in a good mood, but that's not true. You have just as many problems as grownups do, but some adult is always telling you that your problems aren't as important, saying dumb things like, "These are the best years of your life!"

When you're struggling with a problem, it doesn't help to hear that you should just act more cheerful. Jesus talked about that in this week's Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30).

Having problems can tire you out. You want to just play and have fun, but you can't help worrying about the kid who's mean to you all the time, the way your parents are fighting or whether your best friend will still like you after you barely see her all summer.

It's hard to be cheerful with problems on your mind!

In times like those, Jesus reminded us to talk to God, just like we'd talk to another person. Even when grownups act like your problems are no big deal, Jesus said that God wants to hear all about them; He also said that God would "give us rest."

That doesn't mean God magically solves every problem, of course. Jesus just wanted us to remember that talking to someone helps people feel better -- and God is always there to listen, even when grownups are busy or unhelpful.

Praying about a problem can be like taking a rest from it. That might put you in a better mood!