I walked slowly down the dirt trail that wound west through the redwoods. The crisp morning air kissed my cheeks as I inhaled deeply. Looking at the towering trees above, I paused to take it all in. Centuries of growth, strength, and power, all sustained by roots that were equally as strong. Standing in the stillness and wonder of their majesty, I felt my roots grow deeper, too, as something settled inside me.
One tree in particular had become home to a metal plaque that held the words of this “Poem of Dedication” that you can read below or listen to above. While the author remains unknown, the message is universal.
Walking along the path ahead of me, questions as powerful as the redwoods that surrounded me started to surface:
What is your place of repair?
Who are your safe people?
Where do you go when you need rest from all the striving?
Finding Safe Harbor
When we are worn out, weary, or wandering through life, all we seek is a safe place to dock for awhile so we can find rest and renewal - to catch our breath and reclaim some peace. Some people can do this for us, while others become the very reason we seek refuge in the first place.
We must learn to discern in order to protect our peace.
I just spent four glorious days in the presence of other authors, makers, creatives, and Believers who share a deep and abiding passion to follow their callings. Stepping on to the sacred ground of the Mount Hermon Conference Center in the Santa Cruz mountains, I could feel my body begin to emotionally release something I had been holding on to and trying to fix on my own. Something that was no longer mine to carry.
Spending time with my “safe harbor” friends allowed me to set down what was no longer mine to carry alone. I was able dock my worries and find some much-needed rest. I was able to reclaim a sense of peace in the middle of the busy.
Here, I found my place of repair.
Find and keep your safe harbor people close.
Thank them and remind them of the good they do in your life.
As you acknowledge and value them, become a safe harbor in return.
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.
Matthew 11:28-30, NIV
I love this invitation from our Savior to lay down our loads so we may find true rest.
When we are searching for safe harbor, this truth remains: Even when we may feel alone, wandering in our wilderness seasons and worn out from the worries of the world, He is still here, available and waiting for us to dock our boats.
Overwhelm is temporary (even if it doesn’t feel that way most of the time). Don’t allow the things that feel heavy and hard steal your joy in this season. Lay down your burdens on the One that already paid the price for them all. Reclaim rest and find a place of repair.
I’d love to know more about your safe harbors and places of repair.
Comment below or hit reply to this email to share more with me. Wishing you an abundance of rest, renewal, and release in this season!
Training + Teaching
After speaking at the Vision Christian Writers Conference earlier this week, I’m excited to be sharing one more great workshop later this month:
Create a Memorable Bio Exhale Creativity Virtual Workshop: April 28, 2025
Strategy Session Winner!
I’m excited to share that one of our newest subscribers, Amy Campbell, who I met at VCWC, is the winner of one 45-minute Coaching Strategy Session. Reply here to get on my calendar and get after your goals!
With gratitude and grace,
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