Journeying to Grace

It seems to happen every summer. After many hot days in a row, just when we think we can’t handle any more, we get a break – a day or two of cooling clouds and lower temperatures. Though the heat is sure to return, the break from it is always a welcome relief. Thanks to that break, we tend to feel better overall, have increased energy, and appreciate the gift of being a little more comfortable – even for a short time. Sometimes, we just need a break.

We especially need to take a break when we’re overwhelmed, when we are surrounded by too many challenging or stressful situations that can seem to fill our lives. Whether due to personal, work-related, or world-related issues, we find ourselves giving these items more attention and greater priority than we probably should. That’s when we know it’s time to take a break. Not to ignore them or put them off but simply to give ourselves some relief.

The comforting relief we need is the relief we can only find in God who invites us to rest in Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) When we take a break from the distractions and worries which cause us to be weary and burdened and take intentional time to truly rest in God, we will be uplifted and renewed. Renewed in faith, renewed in strength, renewed in hope. Let us take a break from our burdens, accept the Lord’s invitation to rest in Him, and allow His healing love and grace to bring peace and calm to our hearts and minds.