Home Coming

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.                 Matthew 11:28 ESV

Fed up with the rules at home, I decided one day to go to live with my grandparents. “I want to live with Gammy and Cap-Cap!” I stated defiantly to Mom.

“Okay, I’ll help you pack.” she said. “How are you going to get there?”

“I’m going to walk up Route 6!” I said confidently. Technically this was possible but I did not know that 300 miles separated me from their home in Connecticut. Mom just smiled and helped me close my suitcase. After my stepdad got home from work they helped me put my things in the car and drove to the edge of town then pointed me in the right direction.

I bravely got out of the car and started walking away but each time a car sped by I flinched. “See you later!” Mom said waving as they turned and walked out of sight. But my world seemed suddenly so big and frightening that I started to cry. At that moment my parents magically appeared, scooped me up in their arms and took me home!

I bravely got out of the car and started walking away but each time a car sped by I flinched. “See you later!” Mom said waving as they turned and walked out of sight. But my world seemed suddenly so big and frightening that I started to cry. At that moment my parents magically appeared, scooped me up in their arms and took me home! Have you ever decided to run away from Jesus? You may think He didn’t notice when you started down the road; but He was watching and waiting for us to cry out. He is prepared for our home coming and has a place where we will always belong!

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This is the Lake Retreat cottage we were loaned named SImplicity. It has the benefit of no Wifi, TV or Cell service. What a wonderful place to call home for a few days!

Finding Rest

I have found that most of my frustration, stress and anger has its roots down deep in my own personal pride. I get frustrated when I can’t get something accomplished, because it is humbling to admit that something is beyond my ability. Stress keeps me awake at night juggling ideas on how to deal with a broken situation that only God can fix. My anger at people around me usually reflects that I wish they would act differently towards me instead of realizing that only God is in control.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am[f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

If you are even a little bit like me, then be encouraged; Jesus has some good news for us! In our mailbox today is an invitation to come to Him and learn a better way. Notice, Jesus didn’t say, “Get your act together and get over here!” He gently asks us to come and learn. At times like right now when I am worn down and feeling alone, He opens His arms and calls; “Come sit by the well with me and listen.” There in the silence of His meekness by the still waters of the humility of Jesus is now as always a rest for my soul.

What about you dear brother or sister? Are you ready to rest? There is no more better place of true service than in the quietness by the side of Jesus Christ.

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