You’ve hiked, right? America’s national parks have so many gorgeous vista’s, but they’re rarely visible from the road. When hubby and I vacation, we park the car, grab the backpack plus water and go hike. But thirty minutes or so into the woods, I remark how heavy the pack is. We are middle-aged and admittedly out of shape, so no judgment, please.
“Will you carry this awhile?” I ask him.
He agrees and we continue our adventure, marveling at the natural beauty before us. I photograph each scene, absorbing the pine woods scent, in awe of tiny yellow wildflowers growing in unexpected places.
Hiking tires me in a good way. I find rocks or grassy patches to rest and recharge before proceeding on.
The stresses, responsibilities and cares of daily life, however, wear me out in a bad way. Matthew 11:28-29 in Eugene Patterson’s Message version of the Bible phrases it:
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 know you have been tired, worn out and weary, too.
Jesus promises He will show us how to truly rest, by letting Him carry the things weighing us down. Jesus walks beside us today, on this adventure we call life. He speaks softly, pointing out beauty we may have missed in our busyness. He offers to carry our backpacks, today and every day – so that we can walk free, swing our arms, run, jump or twirl if we like.
Jesus’s aim is that we learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Why not hand Him what weighs on your mind and get it off your back?
Kate Leach, 3/28/2017
Categories: Adventure Devotionals Nature Parables Peace Prayer Vacation
Kathryne
Christian author and inspirational speaker of truth that makes the darkness tremble. Author of two non-fiction books at https://linktr.ee/TattooedKing
Kathryne Leach 
Great, relaxing pics! Zion and Bryce, here we come!
LikeLike
Awesome! Such a great analogy 🙂 Love the pictures too!
LikeLike
Thank you! You know who sends the ideas. Packing for another hiking trip next week!
LikeLiked by 1 person