“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 MSG

As I read Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11:28-30, I’m convinced I’m still learning the “unforced rhythms of grace.”  It started when I came to Him as Savior for forgiveness of sin. It continues as I walk with Him, work with Him and watch Him as Lord.

Webster defines “unforced” as that which is done, made, or given with one’s own free will.

I willingly make choices daily.  From what I will wear to what I will post on this blog, there is no shortage of decisions. However, getting away with Jesus is the best choice I can make.

I’m sure you have your share of choices too.

And yet, when we’re tired, worn out or burned out, Jesus won’t force His rest upon us. He calls us to get away with Him. But my getaway is hindered if I’m focused on what I might leave behind.

Unforced rhythms of grace teach me to unplug from everything else.  And from everyone else — of my own free will. Other forces within me or around me teach something different — to do more than Christ requires or to want less than what He intends.

But He promises He won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on me. Christ recovers my life. He teaches me how to re-engage life.

Have you “kept company” with Jesus? Whether our getaway is for a few moments or a longer linger in His presence, when we FLY into His arms, we learn to live freely and lightly. That’s real rest — the kind that brings hope to the heart and joy to the soul.

 Click here for more information on this series and the “It’s Time to FLY” gallery!