Rest Day: My Burden is Light

I came down the stairs this morning, and my wife said, “Israel and the U.S. bombed Iran.”

Another war… continuing an old war that seems to have been going on since the beginning.

I could feel my heart rate rise as my mind drifted back to the 1980s, when I stood nuclear alert with ICBMs.

Refocus.

It is well with my soul.
Breathe.

My heart rate begins to settle.

And then I hear the quiet reminder of the Holy Spirit:
“Remember My perfect peace.”

I recite Isaiah 26:3 aloud.

Typically, today is our rest day—a day for my wife and me to get out together and unwind from the week. But she was busy preparing the house for family who will be visiting soon.

And again, that gentle nudge:

“Let’s go for a drive.”

So I got in the car, picked up a coffee, and headed out—letting God steer.

We moved through the Texas Hill Country… Comfort, Waring, Sisterdale, Luckenbach, Fredericksburg. Along the way, I would stop here and there, capturing images for the Still Walking with Jesus website.

Eventually, I found myself sitting on a park bench, writing… the “Divine Wind” catching the pages of my Bible, flipping them back and forth.

I thought about the small church in Waring—recently remodeled.

On the outside, it looks refreshed.

But now it serves as a venue for live music on Saturday nights. The building next door, once likely a fellowship hall, now serves as a bar.

The caretaker, Tom, asked if I’d like to see inside.

A long rope hung from the ceiling. He explained that they ring the church bell before the concert begins. As he pulled the rope, the bell rang out across the small community—clear and beautiful.

I asked if they still held Sunday services.

Those days are gone.

Aside from Easter, this little church has become something very different.

I found myself wondering what it must have been like when God’s Word was preached there… when hearts gathered, thirsty for Him.

Now, a different kind of thirst fills the room.

I felt a quiet sadness.

The outside freshly painted…
the inside changed.

And I wondered—what does Jesus see?

But as I sit here now, reflecting on the day, something else comes into focus.

Just how peaceful it is… walking—or even driving—with Him on the narrow path.

Across from me, I see a church group gathered for a picnic. Laughter. Fellowship. Life.

And in the wind, I hear His words:

“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The world may be unsettled.
Storms may gather.
History may repeat itself.

But one thing remains certain.

We have a God who loves us.

And His way is not heavy.

His invitation is simple:

Stay near.
Trust Him.
Walk with Him.

And in Him… even in a restless world…
the burden is light.

_______

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)