Over the winter, I took a couple of my nieces and nephews to Kalahari. And they’re just getting to that age where they’re tall enough to ride some of the rides there. I was excited to take them there and on the rides. And so, I took them on a ride or two, and they didn’t love it. They were a little bit scared. So, I said, well, we could do anything here? What do you want to do? And they said we want to go on the lazy river. So, we went to the Lazy River and went around once, twice, and thrice. Four times. They wanted to stay in this lazy river, and it was driving me nuts because we have all these rides you could go on, and that’s all they cared about. Every time I took them to try a ride, I said what do you want to do next? And they said lazy river.
So, we went back to the Lazy River. And it was interesting because Jesus says to turn and become like children in the gospel. Right. So, the children loved being on the lazy river. And it was interesting because that was very difficult for me. I didn’t want to be on the Lazy River. I wanted to try to get on every single ride they had there, and all they wanted was the lazy river. So, after a while, I learned that I could float with them and forget about everything else and just go around and around the lazy river because that’s what they wanted to do.
In the gospel today, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am meek and humble of heart.” It was funny because about a month ago, my spiritual director, after I got done talking about everything and going to confession, said to me, your penance is to pray with Jesus and go with him on the lazy river. And I was like; I didn’t even tell him this. And so, for the last month, much of my prayer has been imagining just being on a lazy river with Jesus by my side. And it’s been pretty wonderful, especially in this summertime, to imagine that. Over the last month, as I’ve been praying with that, it brought me such peace. Even falling asleep. I imagine my bed was on the lazy river, and Jesus was there with me, and all my cares drifted away.
And so, as I’ve been praying with this and thinking about you and thinking, how can I talk about this? One of the things that bring me relaxation is music. And so, I wrote a song for you, just for you. And the song is called Lazy River. And I hope that little kid will say yah when I’m done and cheer for me. So the chorus is pretty easy, and it would be nice if you’d sing it with me.
Chorus:
Come to me all who
labor and are burdened,
Float with me on this
lazy river.
Verses:
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
Rest with me, and you will be free,
Let your cares drift away,
Don’t worry about tomorrow. Enjoy today.
(Chorus)
Float with me, and I will refresh you,
Trust in me. I always come through,
Close your eyes, feel the Sun upon your face,
Let me always be a resting place.
(Chorus)
For I am meek and humble of heart,
I have been with you from the start,
Just look into my eyes, and you will see,
I want you always here with me.
(Chorus)
And you shall find rest for your souls,
Trust in me, and let go of control,
Just relax and enjoy the view,
Don’t work so hard. I will fight for you.
(Chorus)
My yoke is sweet, and my burden is light,
Let your worry and anxiety take flight,
Float with me, let go of concern,
With me on the river, you can always return.
(Chorus)
So let yourself float with the Lord. Allow yourselves to have a lazy summer. Spend some time making sure Sundays are the Sabbath day. Rest with God. And whenever you find yourself labored or burdened, maybe you can float with God on the Lazy River.
