Live Lightly

What if people are attracted not just by light but by lightness?
 
Do I think I make Jesus attractive by my gravitas, seriousness, burden-bearing, sighing? 
 
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 MSG
 
What if I really believed he cares for me, is careful with me, that he will not let me be blown away if I live lightly? This downy feather responds to the breath of the wind. It floats. It rests. It doesn't cast stones; but even without much substance, it does casts a big shadow.  
 
Would you rather imagine children chasing feathers, dandelion seeds, bubbles, and butterflies or strapping on heavy backpacks? What if we tantalize them with our lightness instead of breaking them with heavy burdens? 
 
“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.” Matt 5:16 MSG
 
What would it feel like to live “freely and lightly" and not labor so hard in my Christian life? 
 
Then Jesus said, “When I sent you out and told you to travel light, to take only the bare necessities, did you get along all right?” “Certainly,” they said, “we got along just fine.” Luke 22:35 MSG
 
Travel light. Let God carry the heavy stuff. 
 
(I've begun a 100-day project of choosing one of my photos and thinking of one word and Scriptures that resonate with it. And all the questions stirring inside. Because as I grow older, I'm living in the questions much more than the answers. I'll feature a few of my photo-words in upcoming newsletters.)