Learn the unforced rhythms of grace

"The Little Drummer Boy" performed by Of King & Country

"The Little Drummer Boy" is one of my favorite Christmas classics. When I was a little girl, my grandmother would play this song repeatedly on her huge record player in their formal living room. Every time I heard that familiar “Rum pum pum pum,” I would jump up on her coffee table and sing at the top of my lungs while playing my own little air drum. I can still feel the rhythmic beat of the drum in my soul every time I hear this song and it takes me back to this fond childhood memory.

Each of us naturally settles into unforced rhythms with our schedules and patterns. But how do we cultivate a healthy rhythm in our lives? God created us to appreciate rhythm by giving us the sun's rising and setting each day. He also created beautiful seasons, and just like clockwork, they come back to us year after year. You may be in a season of grief, transition, perpetual busyness, tiredness, or even burnout. Luckily, we have a God who lends us a solution in Him. As Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us, God wants us to receive rest in Him – to learn the unforced rhythms of His grace, assuring us He will keep us company.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll discover 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 live freely and lightly. ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

As we go into this week of Christmas, it will be easy to run ourselves ragged with all the things that need to get done. Don't forget to take a moment to pause – even if it’s just in the shower, in the car, or over a cup of coffee. Go to Him. Get away with Him. Allow yourself to remember and reflect on a good memory from a past Christmas or a new tradition you want to begin this year to become a new rhythm in your life. If you happen to hear "The Little Drummer Boy" this holiday season with that familiar “rum pum pum pum,” let it be a whisper from your Creator that He is always there, wanting to show you how to take real rest in Him.