Unforced Rhythms of Grace
The only bumper sticker I’ve ever put on my car said, “She believed she could, so she did.” I took special pride in this when my middle son ended up driving that car. I like to think it was his introduction to feminism.
A similar quote—perhaps more appropriate for this stage of life—is, “She believed she could. But she was tired. So she didn’t.” Truer words have rarely been spoken.
I love being on staff at Church of the Resurrection. As the Spring Hill Location Pastor, I am challenged and stimulated every day by the new situations that come with a growing congregation. We are effectively out of space at our 9 a.m. service. We have several people who need high levels of care. Our children’s ministry is HUGE. We need to launch a vibrant student ministry and a women’s ministry. Wow…that’s a lot.
Thankfully, I am surrounded by an amazing staff and volunteer team who are capable, committed, and genuinely excited to do the work ahead.
Then there’s my home life. My husband and I were just 18 months away from being empty nesters when we suddenly became foster parents to a wonderful 10-year-old boy. In addition to him, our household includes 17-year-old Brendan; 19-year-old Chris; 57-year-old Laura (Jonathan’s sister, who has Down syndrome); and my mom, Cris, who is 79. It can get confusing having two Chris’s in the house. It can get downright chaotic managing a three-generation household.
And as I write this, I’m sitting at the gym in between teaching two classes! Now you understand why I’m tired. Unfortunately, I don’t often get the luxury of living into the phrase, “So she didn’t.”
My husband and I can’t ignore the people in our home who need care, stability, and food. We aren’t going to turn our backs on the people we love. I am passionate about my church, and I’m committed to leading with joy into a season of growth and excitement.
So, what’s going to give?
In the middle of this, Jesus says, “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.” - Matthew 11:28-30, The Message.
I never hope that my life will be balanced. That’s simply unattainable.
Instead, I seek rhythm. Even in the middle of chaos, we can find a rhythm that ebbs and flows, comes and goes, and carries us from one thing to the next.
Within that rhythm, Jesus shows us how to take a “real rest,” even when, in the moment, that rest is nothing more than a deep breath. What does rest look like for you, and how is Jesus teaching you the “unforced rhythms of grace”?
It looks different for everyone, but it is a promise made to all of us.
My hope is that you will seek this rest—the kind that truly restores your life.
Angie McCarty
serves as the location pastor for Resurrection Spring Hill. Angie is an ordained elder from the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church who moved to Kansas from Arizona in 2017. She completed her doctorate degree, focusing on Christian sexual ethics, at Saint Paul School of Theology in May 2023. Angie is married to Jonathan Bell, who also serves on staff at Resurrection. Together, they have six kids, a live-in sister who is active in Matthew’s Ministry, and a totally joyful life.
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Bibliography
Lee, Boyung. “Commentary on Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23.” In What Do You Fear? Sermon Planning Guide, First Sunday after Christmas. San Diego: Sanctified Art, 2024.
