Back to School 
Pause
At the start of the new school year, we hit the ground running with school work and activities. But from time to time our souls need us to slow down, to take a study break, to rest, to play, to pray. Let this be one of those moments:
“Come away from rush and hurry
to the stillness of God’s peace;
from our vain ambition’s worry,
come to Christ and find release.”
Marva Dawn in “Come Away from Rush and Hurry” (1999)
Listen
“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Think
A large painting hung on a wall in the corner of the worship space. It depicted a person with arms outstretched overhead reaching toward God. It was the image of a person longing for grace and rest.
It could be you.
It could me.
It could be any of us.
We’re all weary travelers longing for God’s grace.
A local artist at our church painted this picture based on the verses in Matthew 11 where Jesus invites all who are tired, weary, anxious, and stressed to come to him.
At the time I saw that painting, I was a weary college student. I was tired of all-nighters, tired of trying to cram for final exams, tired from working a part-time job too. I was desperate for God’s grace. I was desperate for a Jesus who invited people like me to rest.
His invitation extends to all who find themselves tired from the pressure to perform. If you are tired of the pressure and stress, reach up your hands and receive the rest that Jesus offers.
Kyle Caudle
Pray
Giver of Rest, relieve me from the pressure to perform. Set me free from the many things that weigh me down and let me find rest for my soul. Amen.
Go
Rest now in God, throughout the hurry of your day
Finding a space to pause, to pray, to play
And in that space of rest and re-creation
Remember:
You are enough
Because Christ is enough
Amen.
