Rest for Our Souls around the Campfire
![](https://nwos-elca.church/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bishop-2024-08-24-1024x771.jpg)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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)
Yesterday we had the joy of welcoming over 90 youth, families and community leaders to the Cannaley Treehouse Village in Oak Openings Metropark for a time of faithful fellowship. We enjoyed a meal, explored the treehouses and gathered around the campfire to sing praise songs and silly songs and collectively rest together.
Together we reflected on Matthew 11:28-30. I’d invite you to pause and consider this verse and your experience with rest in these days. Feel free to take a few moments to breath deeply. Perhaps close your eyes, and consider the following:
What are the burdens you are carrying?
We all experience burdens on this side of heaven. What has been troubling your soul in these days? Consider these things.
Where are your places of rest?
Places of rest are gifts along the way. Where have you found yourself resting in these days? With gratitude, pause to meditate on these places.
Jesus bears our burdens and offers us rest.
I hope that you have had the opportunity this summer to slow down and be present in the gift of rest. I’d love to hear how your soul is resting in the great promise of our dear Jesus, crucified and risen for the world.
Rest for Our Souls around the Campfire
"Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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...
If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
“So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.” -Hebrews 4:9-10 A photo taken by Bishop Daniel at Sidecut Metropark of the sun setting along the Maumee River. There are two...
One Body, Many Members
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body...." "But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to...
Keep the Sabbath
“Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son, or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien...