Pausing to watch the birds as I drink a cup of tea. Taking in a deep breath when I am uncertain and it feels like fear is welling up within me. Hearing the wind chime and letting it be a message of peace as the wind blows.
This week my intention is to “keep it simple”. The words from Matthew 11:28-30 we will hear this Sunday as we have a simple, single Sunday worship service at 9:30am on July 5, have walked with me for many years. Here is the translation from The Message:
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
-Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG)
Letting go and letting God is a slogan that I try to apply regularly when I need to lighten up. In this ocean of life to choose floating instead of flailing or dog paddling- that’s my intention for today. Floating and allowing for the unforced rhythms of grace.
It’s far easier said than done. So to practice it this week I know I need to ask for help and then we be open to receive the help as it comes. And it often appears in unexpected ways. The Shaker song "Simple gifts" goes through my mind. I then find this version that is instrumental and combined with "Over the Rainbow" and the music makes my heart sing. From my adolescence I also remember this song by the Eagles.
There are many ways, avenues, paths to keeping it simple and taking it easy. It will be a life long learning for me to learn “the unforced rhythms of grace”. This weekend at our single, simple, Sunday only service we will only have instrumental music.
Here is the more familiar transition of Matthew 11:28-30:
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28030 NRSV
Jesus invites us work together, walk together and allow for our burdens to be lightened. Rest is a gift. This day I will take to heart these words of Jesus to his followers and to me.
Keeping it simple and taking it easy are faith practices I will be open to learn as I keep learning to live by the unforced rhythms of grace.