Sharon settled onto her beach chair, keeping the kids in sight by the edge of the water. A moment later, her sister-in-law, Annie, took the chair beside her.

“Looks like the cousins are getting along well.” Sharon adjusted the umbrella to shade them.

Annie grinned. “They are. And I love watching Derek and Greg play with them. That sandcastle is going to have the biggest moat ever.”

“I’m just glad we have a chance to sit and rest for a bit. I know Emma and Cody will want to go in the water soon, and I’ll have to go in with them.”

Annie frowned. “Can’t Derek go in with them?”

Sharon shrugged. “Yes, but I feel better if we each have one of their hands. The undertow is dangerous when you’re not a strong swimmer, and Emma and Cody are still little.”

“Makes sense. Well then, let’s take advantage of the time we have together to chat. How is your new ministry coming?”

“My what?” Sharon frowned. “Oh, you mean the meals program?”

“Yes. How is it?”

“Honestly, it’s exhausting. Every time someone is sick or has a baby or is in the hospital, I have to make a meal for them. Sometimes I have a hard enough time making meals for our own family.”

Annie’s brow furrowed. “But I thought you were coordinating the ministry so you’d have lots of volunteers to help.”

“That was the point, but I have to call everyone, and if I don’t hear from someone in time, I feel obligated to feed the family that night.”

Annie chewed on her lower lip. “I think you might be trying to do too much in your own strength.”

“What do you mean?”

Annie drew in a breath and paused, appearing to consider Sharon’s question. “It’s like riding your bike on the boardwalk.”

Sharon stared at Annie. “Now I really have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Annie smoothed sunblock down her arms. “I’ll try to explain. When you’re walking on the boardwalk with the kids, it takes forever, right?”

Sharon nodded. “Absolutely. If their little legs weren’t bad enough, they need to stop at every shop and look in. Heaven forbid they should miss something.”

“What about when you ride bikes?”

“Completely different. I have Emma in the seat on the back of mine and Derick has Cody on his, and we fly down the boardwalk.”

Annie grinned. “Exactly.”

Sharon stared at Annie. “Exactly what? I’m so confused.”

“When you try to do things in your own strength, it’s like trying to walk down the boardwalk with a preschooler. When you allow God to take control, it’s like riding a bike.”

“OK…”

“You’re working too hard for the meals ministry. There are apps which will record the people, time, dates, and the food they’re bringing. All you need to do is send out one email which will go out to all your helpers. They’ll sign up for slots that work for them. They also can see what other people are making so they can give the family-in-need some variety.”

Sharon whistled. “Wow. Now that’s helpful. But what if people don’t sign up? Don’t I need to chase them down to ensure all the slots get covered? I’ll still have to make lots of meals.”

“Not necessarily. Pray about each family, and trust God. He’ll let you know when He wants you to make a meal. You don’t have to fill in every slot. Make the need known, and then trust God to take care of the rest.”

Sharon pushed back her sunglasses. “That sounds too easy.”

“Serving God isn’t supposed to be hard. You’re supposed to feel joy when you’re doing what God calls you to do. Who’s managing the ministry while you’re here this week?”

“My friend Melissa. But I feel like I need to check up on it while we’re here.”

“Don’t. Let Melissa and God handle it. And here.” Annie pulled her phone from her oversized beach bag. “Our church uses this app. I’ll send you a link. It will make the whole thing much simpler.”

Relief flooded through Sharon. “Thanks, Annie. I think I might be able to enjoy this vacation after all. It looks like the sandcastle is almost finished. I’d better go join in if I want to build part of the tower.”

Annie flashed Sharon a smile. “Happy to help. And I’ll collect some shells to decorate the castle.”

Matthew 11:28–30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.

God, thank You for the opportunity to serve You. Sometimes we try to do things in our own strength. We need to work not by might, not by power, but by Your Spirit. Help us take on Your yoke and Your burden, Lord, so we are not exhausted. Carry us and our burdens like a bike down the boardwalk. It won’t always be a smooth ride, but with You in the driver’s seat, we will get where You want us to go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.