Learning to Live Freely and Lightly

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.

About two years ago I chose the above quote as the theme for my life and my writing. Would it surprise you to hear that it’s actually a scripture from Matthew 11:28-30? You might recognize it in this translation.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

I’m sure I had read that scripture a hundred times. And it’s good. Don’t get me wrong. But it never resonated with me. Not until I stumbled across The Message version did it spark to life in my mind.

Boy was I burned out on religion. So exhausted from trying to do things in my own strength. Weary of the judgmental attitudes and external focus often found in Christianity. But God wanted me to recover my life. To take a real rest. He would show me how he did it.

Then it got even better. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. You see, I’ve been a worship dancer for eighteen years. This phrase, I understand. Flowing in the magic of the music. Letting it take you over. Seep into your skin and blossom from the inside out. Nothing forced or regimented. This is how our relationship with the Lord should be. His righteousness should permeate us and flow from the inside out. I saw even more in those few words. I imagined myself twirling in the arms of the Lord. Letting him lead my dance—my life. Responding to his gentle tugs and pulls. His subtle shifts and sways. Yes, this is how I desire to live.

And he won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting upon me? At that time, two years ago, one aspect of my life felt incredibly heavy and ill-fitting. I needed to turn it over into God’s hands. I needed to abandon trying to make it work through my own efforts. I surrendered. Metaphorically and physically. I gave up. I’m still working through that area of my life. Still learning to live freely and lightly in the Holy Spirit. But I’m keeping company with him as the scripture suggests. And much healing has occurred.

So this is now my theme. Learning to live freely and lightly in the unforced rhythms of God’s grace. This is what my books are about. This is what my life is about. Will you join me?

What is your favorite Bible verse? Do you have a theme for your life? Are you living freely and lightly?