Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. 

“The Father has given me all these things to do and say....I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.

“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.”

Matthew 11:25-30 (ish)

Years ago I learned from a pastor that you can tell which side of an ox yoke the lead ox took because it will show more wear. Silly me. I should have asked a farmer who uses them. I would have learned this a lot sooner: 

 "Training oxen requires taking two separate animals,  which have previously been their own masters, and making them a team, that will work for another master. Behaving this way is contrary to nature. These animals have already learned many things before they began this training. It is your job to undo some of the things they have learned, and to teach many new things. Every time they are in the yoke they will learn something, either beneficial or unbeneficial. And they will challenge you as their new master, as they try to continue to meet their own needs and desires."

He invites us to take the yoke. He is trust-worthy. Why do you pull so hard on your own?

Slowly, over time, we no longer need to be pulled. Our will conforms to his. We walk in rhythm with the Master.

He knows the way.