Come to me, all 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. Matthew 11:28-29 ESV

In our verses for today, Jesus is talking to a group of people who have come out to hear His wise words. And right before our verses about rest, Jesus thanks His Father God for showing things to children that the wise do not understand. Jesus valued all people, especially children. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16

Jesus invites everyone, including children, including you, to come to Him for rest. We all have busy lives. You have school and homework. Do you play a sport or have after school activities? Do you have chores to do at home? You are busy and need some rest time, too.

Jesus says we can come to Him and find rest. This week I want you to find some real rest. I want you to go outside into creation. You can go to a park or your backyard. Ask your parents and family to come, too, they also need rest. Close your eyes for just a moment and ask Jesus for rest, then listen. What do you hear? Open your eyes. What do you see that God has made?

Talk with your parents about all that you hear and see. Don’t think about what you have to do later or tomorrow, just enjoy the quiet, peaceful time with your parents and your family. Enjoy resting with your family and Jesus in His created world. Even God rested after creating the whole world! So, take some time to slow down and rest with Jesus. Relax and refresh.

How did you feel after your rest time? Talk with your parents and enjoy rest with Jesus.

Blessings and peaceful rest with Jesus and your family!