Lean in my child.
She fits so neatly under the crook of her father’s arm, her head resting on his shoulder. She’s safe.
She’s still walking, but at his pace. She’s still upright, she hasn’t collapsed. She’s still going, she’s keeping in step with him.
And that’s where she saw it. His yoke. Wrapped around her shoulders. Its weight is light that’s true, but even more, it’s safe and brings comfort, direction and purpose.
Don’t stop moving, don’t sit still, she’ll find true soul rest as she leans in, into his yoke, into his shoulder.
This is an active rest, a purposeful rest when she’s got to keep moving, keep working, keep getting out of bed each day. Some days bring struggle more than others. Some days it feels like weight of the world rest on her shoulders. Some days that weight rests deep in her soul and it feels impossible to move.
Find me here my child, right here, right now.
She sees that ‘r’ right there in learn, if you take it out, you’re left with ‘lean’. She’ll learn as she leans in the right now moments of the day. She’ll keep moving, his shoulder is there.
And looking back, as she moves, she’ll see some furrows, some broken ground that’s going to be fruitful. See? That purposeful leaning in, that light yoke of the Father when she’s weary and burdened will bear fruit, just you wait.
‘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.’ Matthew 11:28-30