"Unforced Rhythms of Grace"

One of my art groups online has been having a great discussion. The discussion has meandered down many paths - on being an artist, on being true to yourself. The discussion has covered the need to forgive and let things go, on releasing your artwork to the world, on not creating (or living, for that matter) in a fear-based way. Anyone who knows me will probably raise an eyebrow or give a gentle smile at this moment. I have had my moment or two dealing with anxiety and fear in my life. Quite a while ago I wrote a post about having a case of the "What-ifs". The what-ifs are when you try to anticipate any bad thing that might happen so you can be ready for it. You can really put your body on hyper alert trying to prepare for any eventuality. And then the what-if that you prepared for doesn't happen. And you can miss or squelch What-Might-Be because you've been preparing for a What-if...

In my own life I've usually found that anxiety is a hand-holding friend with worry. And worry often comes from being plain old tired and burdened down. And also from the feeling that I should do what people expect of me...I really, really love to please people. "What if I can't carry any more and someone gives me a big old rock to hold?" Duh. Don't take the rock, Dixie!

A while ago I read something in the Bible that really resonated with where my heart and spirit was at...it's Jesus words from Matthew 11...

"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 don't see a lot of yokes in my daily life so I decided to read it in a more modern version...this is from a translation by Eugene Peterson...

"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."

Isn't that beautiful? Especially the phrase "unforced rhythms of grace"... I really want to think about that.