ROYAL PARK PLACE Life Style
Chaplain’s Corner
As many of you know, my family has faced a difficult year with the loss of my son Ben to cancer in February 2024. Grief often sneaks in when I least expect it and can feel like an old piece of luggage with no wheels to pull it along. It’s at these moments that Jesus’ beautiful invitation becomes even more real: “Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus doesn’t say, “Come all who are perfect” or “Come all who have made all the right choices in life.” Instead, Jesus invites the tired and worn- out to come to him. He promises us rest. That’s an amazing exchange! We get to drop our baggage, and Christ gives us rest! As 2024 comes to a close and we welcome the New Year of 2025, I pray you’ll feel a sense of lightness in your spirit and optimism for the year ahead - “Cruising with Jesus” and surrendering your baggage to Him!
When my daughter Sarah, who is now 38, was about three years old, her grandma gave her a suitcase with the logo “Cruising to Gramma’s.” It was intended for sleepovers at Grandma’s house, but Sarah usually stuffed it full of toys and dragged it around the house all day long. One night, while tucking her in bed, I asked her if she had enjoyed the day’s adventures. “I did, Mom,” she replied, “but I think I would have enjoyed it more if my bag wasn’t so heavy.” I thought about that for a long time and wondered, “How much baggage am I dragging through my days?” You know I usually have something with me— my notebook, keyboard, or even a communion cart. If I’m not carrying something, I probably have it stuffed in my vest pockets! However, that’s not the type of baggage I’m thinking about. I’m referring to the heavy things in life: the heartaches and challenges I don’t quite know how to handle, which I keep lugging around.
—Chaplain Cindy
www.RoyalParkPlace.com (616) 772-2224 | rpp@provlife.com | 500 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
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