YOU CAN'T PARK HERE (OR THERE)

The Soul Anchor [Hebrews 6:19] - September 1, 2026

It seems like everywhere I go lately, the parking lot is sending me a message — and not a very encouraging one. I pull into a shopping center, see an open parking spot near the front, and think, “Whoa, I don’t usually get to park this close”. But as I get closer, the sign says:

“Reserved for Mobile Orders.” Okay. No problem. I drive a little farther.

Next spot: “Reserved for Curbside Pickup.”

Farther still: “Reserved for Law Enforcement.”

Then: “Reserved for Coffee Customers Only.” (This has to be discrimination against tea drinkers!)

Then: “Reserved for Online Grocery Pickup.”

Then: “Reserved for Employee of the Month.”

By the time I actually find a spot I’m allowed to use, I’m halfway to the next zip code. It’s kind of funny, but it’s also revealing. Contemporary life is full of signs — both literal and metaphorical — that say:

“Not for you.”

“You don’t qualify.”

“You don’t belong here.”

“This space is reserved for someone else.”

And it’s not just parking lots. Sometimes it feels like the world is divided into special lanes, special groups, special access, and special categories— and if you don’t fit one of them, you’re left circling the lot, trying to find a place to land before you circle down the drain. But then I remember the words of Jesus: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” No restrictions .No categories. No “reserved for anyone but you.” No “you can’t park here.” Just an open invitation.

I am so glad Jesus doesn’t say, “Come to me, all who qualify.” Or, “Come to me, all who ordered ahead.” Or, “Come to me, all who fit this or that criteria.” He says all, PERIOD! All who are tired. All who are burdened. All who are stressed, stretched, discouraged, overwhelmed, overlooked, or worn thin.

In a world full of signs telling us where we can’t park, Jesus offers the one place where we always can. A place to rest. A place to breathe. A place to be welcomed. A place to be renewed. So the next time you’re cruising a parking lot full of “reserved for anyone but you” signs, let it remind you of the One who never turns you away — the One who says, “Yes, you can stop here. You can rest here. You belong here.” With Jesus, there are no barriers. No restrictions. No special categories. Just grace — and a special spot with your name on it.