I read these words, and I exhale.  My heart rests in the tender, gentle love of Jesus that shares the load and never, ever leaves me alone.

When overwhelmed, stressed, grieving, weary, or the unending ache for justice weigh heavy, he whispers, ‘Come to me.’ There are no further demands or expectations – no pressure to perform or reach perfection.  Simply a promise of presence and an invitation to receive his rest and learn the unforced rhythms of his grace.

St John Vianney once said, ‘The soul should move toward God with great simplicity. Rest in him, and do not be discouraged.’

May we each hear this invitation today and open our hearts to the rest he offers.  May we then take up his yoke and walk aligned with his heart – living gently, walking humbly and extending the same grace and compassion to others and to ourselves.

May the weight and weariness fall away, and may gentle faithfulness be the strength of every slow and steady step forward, as the wind of the Spirit blows at our backs. Amen.

By Christine Da Costa