May has got to be the busiest month of the year, at least, it is for me in my current season of life. Graduation parties and wedding showers and soccer games and end-of-the year teacher gifts and on and on and on. It’s a merry-go-round that seems to spin faster and faster without any sign of slowing down.

With all of these activities, I seem to be running to the grocery store every day. When I get there, I try to go right to the section with the items I need and then hightail it over to the self-checkout lane. Then, after forgetting to buy the bags of ice that were on my list, I drive home and unload everything.

It’s hard to imagine there will be a May when I’m not rushing from one thing to the next, but there are people looking for ways to slow down. For instance, I read about a Dutch supermarket chain called Jumbo. Back in 2019, some kind-hearted person in charge instituted Kletskassa, or “chat checkouts” for customers who might just want to stop and chat, as opposed to rushing through while they pay for their groceries. Initially, these checkout lines were for older people who may be struggling with loneliness, but anyone was welcome who just wanted to have a face to face interaction with a friendly employee available to leisurely discuss the weather or sports or any other topic.

I know I have to be intentional about taking breaks from the busyness, and I have a Lord who is willing to partner with me in carrying around all of this stress. In Matthew 11 Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens…” (Okay, Jesus, you have my attention…) “and I will give you rest.” This the kind of rest I want—not just a nap (although that would be nice), but a lifting off of the burdens that weigh me down so that I can get in line with Jesus.

Then He goes on to say, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” To be yoked with Jesus—like two oxen connected as they plow together—means I’ll not only have a lighter load, but I’ll also be going in the right direction. Win, win!

I think the place to start with Jesus’ command are his first three words: Come to me. I can get in the Kletskassa lane and have a chat with my Savior. His humble, gentle heart will lead me to unburdening and obedience and rest for my weary soul.