Living is More than Existing

Living is more than existing. In this reflection for Ascension Sunday, Jake explores the restless patterns that leave our souls behind—and the way of life Jesus offers instead. The way of the cross is not escape from the world, but a deeper way of being present to God, to others, and to creation itself.Spiritual Practice: How We Carry What We CarrySet aside ten minutes.Begin by becoming still. Sit comfortably. Take a few slow breaths. Let your body settle.Then bring to mind something you are carrying right now—a burden, a pressure, a responsibility. Don’t choose something abstract. Choose something real.Now ask yourself:How am I carrying this?Without judging, notice the pattern.Are you tightening? Managing? Controlling?Are you bracing yourself, trying to hold it all together on your own?Sit with that honestly for a moment.Then hear these words of Jesus:“Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)Read the words slowly. Let a word or phrase stand out.Now ask:What would it be like to carry this with Jesus instead of by myself?Don’t overthink it. Let an image, a feeling, or a simple shift come to you.It may be releasing control.It may be asking for help.It may be taking one faithful step instead of trying to solve everything.Sit quietly for a minute or two, holding that new pattern in your imagination.Close with a simple prayer:Jesus, I am carrying more than I can hold. Teach me your way. Teach me to carry this with you, not alone. Amen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jakeowensby.substack.com/subscribe