Sometimes things come out of my mouth in conversation or letter-writing that might be Spirit-led (I shy away from saying, “God told me.”) I’ve written about two of them:

• Walk with God, invest in people, and help them to do the same. (August 19, 2023)
• Churches usually want to do it bigger and faster instead of smaller and slower. (September 21, 2023. It came out in a conversation in response to “What do you do for The Navigators?”)

A few days ago, I was having my monthly conversation with Josh, a young man on staff of an international youth ministry. He has professional ministry obligations and also tries to make a contribution in his local church. In addition, he is married with four young children. I remember those days. I told Josh that our kids couldn’t participate in all the activities some of their friends did. I coached little league, for example, and some of the boys were involved in both baseball AND lacrosse. There’s no way that our kids could be in multiple activities each. It was not logistically possible. Yet I know some parents who try, and the whole family runs in different directions at breakneck speed. In the middle of that conversation, I told Josh:

You have an obligation to create a family rhythm that is supportable.

Then I said, “Write that down and send it to me! I’ve never said it that way before.” So he did and added, “It’s a great quote!” It’s fun talking with someone who is teachable.

And the point is a good one. Too often we try to cram in one more thing. In fact, I had an opportunity to apply it to myself before the day was out. My son Mark wanted to take me to a movie, but it would have involved leaving before 4:30p when June had been out on errands all day and was very tired. I told Mark I wasn’t comfortable leaving that early. So we’ll do the movie another time.

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)