Rest in Jesus

July 17, 1956

Dear Diary,

This morning Robert picked us up at the mailbox rock in his old pickup. He tipped his hat like he always does, and Sister Mary Claire and I climbed in, with Mini jumping into my lap before I’d even settled in. The truck made its usual rattling sounds all the way to St. Mary’s, and the windows fogged just a little from the cool morning air.

Mass was quiet and lovely. I had brought my diary with the thought that I’d write something about today’s Gospel like I’ve been doing lately. But when Father LeRoy read it, it was so short I nearly laughed:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

That was nearly all of it. I sat there thinking, Well, that’s beautiful, but what am I supposed to write about just a few words?

But then Father LeRoy did something that surprised me—he mentioned me in his homily! He smiled and said, “Kathy here helps carry water from the hydrant every morning.” (I felt my face turn all red, but Sister Mary Claire smiled at me.) Then he said, “She knows it’s not the water that’s heavy—it’s carrying it alone that wears you out. But when someone walks up and steadies the bucket with you, even if it’s just for a few steps, it makes all the difference.”

And that’s what he said Jesus does for us. He walks beside us. He takes the weight and makes it lighter—not by removing it, but by carrying it with us.

I held onto that the whole way home. Mini rode quietly in my lap like she understood every word. Robert even said that was one of his favorite homilies.

When we got back, Mini ran to check her squirrel bush, and Robert walked us to the porch. The air smelled like cut hay and morning bread. I’ve kept today’s Gospel tucked under my pillow. Just a few words—but maybe the ones I needed most.

Love,

Kathy

P.S. I think next time Father uses me in a homily, I ought to bring him a thank-you egg. Maybe two.