In the last few years, it has become popular to "do it yourself" in almost every field. We have the Do It Yourself Network, for example, an entire television network dedicated to showing us how to fix just about everything in our homes from roofs to basements.

I have a friend who says he can do anything himself, once. After, say, he changes the timing belt on his car, he decides that the next time he will hire an expert. The time, effort and frustration often outweigh the money saved or the lessons learned.

We are, in a way, a "do it yourself" culture. I mean, we are taught to be self-sufficient, and self reliant. Men are ashamed to ask for directions when traveling. Women often feel that they have to be "supermoms," working inside and outside the home. No wonder that we're often exhausted.

In today's gospel reading, Jesus challenges the "do it yourself" mentality and offers an enticing alternative: rest. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest," he says. That comes pretty close to an offer I can't refuse. I mean, who doesn't need rest? Who doesn't crave rest?

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me," Jesus continues, "for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves." Jesus compares his offer of rest to the experience of a team oxen pulling a cart. With one strong animal doing the hardest pulling, the other can walk along comfortably, with minimal load on its shoulders.

Jesus offers us a path away from exhausting ourselves and being overwhelmed by our responsibilities. If we walk with him, he will carry the bulk of the load. Of course, we have to be willing to give it to him. This can be difficult if our identity is wrapped up in carrying the many obligations and commitments in our lives by ourselves. If we hand the burden over to Jesus, what will we have to show for ourselves?

The answer, of course, is rest. If we place our cares on Jesus' back, he is responsible for the outcome. This is as it should be. The world, we are told, is God's problem, not ours. We are simply responsible to continue to follow Jesus, to walk with him, and to enjoy the journey. God can do the heavy lifting.

The good news, when it comes to our spiritual lives, is that the kingdom of God is not a "do it yourself" operation. We cannot achieve holiness by watching a television program, taking a course, or hiring a trainer. We can, however, let go of our desire or need to control all the activities, relationships and circumstances in our lives and release them to someone who has the ability and desire to help.

If we let God carry the burdens of our lives, we just might find we get something we never imagined we could find: rest.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.