An Invitation to Rest
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
My family went on a vacation to Estes Park, Colorado several months ago. Y’all. This trip was magical. We were all thrilled to get away as a family, especially after COVID completely turned our world upside down.
I set very low expectations for the road trip, knowing that our two toddlers… and perhaps two older kids as well… would likely not be happy in the car for the duration of the 16-hour trip. I stocked up on Dollar Store toys and an abundance of snacks, and we hit the road. We spent the night in a hotel along the way, which went about like you would expect the night to go for a family of 6 in a hotel room. And yet, we hit the road early the next morning, eager to get to our destination. Throughout all the hours on the road, the kids did great! After swinging through the Wal-mart nearest our destination to grab the curbside order of groceries that I had placed earlier, we set off to find our cabin.
What happened next was one of the most profound experiences I have had as an adult. One that I am still processing, even months later. We were invited in to this adorable mountain town, by the most beautiful stream that ran right next to the road for the last several miles prior to arrival. Difficult to put into words, this stream was absolutely breathtaking. The weather happened to be perfect the day we arrived, with cool temperatures and abundant sunshine. The light bounced off of the stream with sparkling glimmers of hope as it beckoned to us and showed us the way. I have been mulling over the beauty of this stream for months since the trip, wondering what all the Lord has to teach me from it. I see now that it was an invitation. The welcoming and beckoning that He offers as a pre-cursor of what is to come. The rest and renewal that is waiting.
Did you know this invitation is open all the time? Not only on magical vacations. Not only when things are going well. Not only when the sun is shining and birds are signing. But even amidst the overwhelming uncertainty of a global pandemic. Even when our burden feels heavier than we can bear. Even when our depression feels like it just might swallow us whole. Even when we are utterly blinded by shame and guilt. Even when the debilitating ache of sorrow piercing our hearts is relentless.
Come, sit by this beautiful stream with me…. Let’s watch together and remember that He beckons us to a lighter life…. Let’s hand Him the heaviness in our hearts, and dwell in His promise of rest.