Ellen Burany

Music without rhythm is chaotic—unsettling, jarring, and hard to follow. In many ways, our lives can feel the same: full of activity but lacking flow, balance, or peace. Jesus offers a different way. “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life….Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace….” (MSG)

Several years ago, when I first got involved in ministry, I was passionate about people knowing Jesus. I loved introducing others to Him and helping them grow (as I still am today). The juggling of trying to meet the endless needs all around me, along with managing work, relationships, education, and the tasks of daily life, was a lot. It was a challenge that often left me feeling exhausted. Over time, the joy of life in Jesus became a burden of 'shoulds.” These ‘shoulds’ drove me more to...

Many years ago, when I was a new Christian, Marilyn, a woman who had walked with Jesus much longer than me, spiritually took me under her wing. As I met with her in the coming years, I learned more about knowing and following Jesus. Marilyn led me to the truth of Scripture and modeled how to have a dynamic relationship with God, which was invaluable. But she also did something else that greatly impacted my heart and life. She listened. Marilyn provided a safe and grace-filled space for me to...