The Resignation of Atlas

There are days when I want nothing more than to curl into a tight little ball, jam my fingers into my ears, and – with a few emphatic “lalalala’s” – transport myself somehow to a simpler time and place.

Do you have those days? Days that bombard you with things you never anticipated? Days that come fully loaded with every possible reminder that you are an adult and that the world is far from perfect?

I usually think of a time in my childhood on days like that. I remember the carefree days of summer, perhaps, or the bliss of having finished my homework and having nothing to worry about for the rest of the evening but whether to play with my dolls or color or go outside.

When life creeps in and reminds us that things aren’t simple any more, I think it’s our human nature to long for the opposite. We want things to be easy and peaceful. We want to be able to believe that the world is happy and good and that life is kind.

In those times, though, we fail to remember one thing: when we were children, life was not perfect. Our lives were, perhaps, but life in general was not. (I nod here in acknowledgement that not everyone had or has the childhood that every child it entitled to. To all of those children, past and present, I say with sincerity that I am sorry. I am so sorry.) When we were children, there were problems. There were issues. Our parents probably cringed when they watched the news, and there were probably pictures in the paper that they intentionally covered so that we wouldn’t see them. They were probably stressed about money and work and the future. Despite those things, though, we were allowed to live the carefree and peaceful lives we had because our parents handled it all and sheltered us from it. It wasn’t for us to worry about. It wasn’t of concern to us. It didn’t have to be.

And now? Yes, those news stories are grim and scary. Yes, we should consider all of the things we see in the paper when it comes time for us to fulfill our adult responsibilities to society and vote. Yes, the responsibility to balance the checkbook falls on our able shoulders, and yes, it is up to us to keep the cabinets stocked with everything our families need.

But no, we don’t have to worry about it. And no, it doesn’t have to be devastating and crushing to us. See, we’re adults now, with the whole package of responsibilities that comes with that status….but we are not in control. We are not in charge of it all, and we don’t have to do it all ourselves.

Just like when we were little, there is someone who wants to shelter us and handle our every need. We can’t sit back and let life pass us by, shirking everything but the enjoyable, but we can choose a better way. We can adopt a lighter burden in place of the one that crushes, and we can allow ourselves to be transported – almost supernaturally – to a simpler time and place, in the right here and right now.

So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about those things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:31-34)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)