In Mark’s sometimes fast-paced gospel, we read:
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. (Mark 6:30-32)
Last week, Jesus issued a similar invitation to my weary soul, and I grabbed it. It felt at first like running away from home–away from the busyness, away from the deadlines and work pressure, away from my husband’s recent job loss and the stress that has created. Consequently, I wrestled a bit with guilt (even as I left my family dinner in the crock pot and instructions for carpool schedules). I thought had listened more to the voice of my own desperation than the voice of Jesus. Little did I realize that sometimes he speaks through the voice of our pain, especially when he wants to comfort us.
A woodland retreat
But in the quiet sanctuary of a cabin in the country, surrounded by a few loving friends who engaged in conversation and also gave me space to be alone, I found some rest. I took a three-day Sabbatical and came home energized and ready to work, ready to encourage and serve my family.
I’ll have more details on the profound ways he met me in the quiet in my next newsletter (subscribe on my website so you don’t miss it).
But for now, consider this: If Jesus whispered to you, “come to a quiet place and get some rest,” how would you respond? do you have access to a quiet place? What would it take to get you to go there?
I’m sorry that your husband lost his job – when one door closes, another one opens. God will provide! I’m glad that you were able to get away and find some peace. I find that this is something that most women have a hard time achieving. I have been needing some time away to process life and can’t seem to do it.
[…] “Come away and get some rest” […]
Sorry to hear your husband lost his job. I am so glad you were able to get away and rest.
The scene in the picture you posted looks so peaceful. It would be amazing to spend some time there. My brother lives in a quiet place in Roseau, MN. Before my husband passed away we spent 4 days with my brother and his wife and it was so peaceful and relaxing we loved it. My husband was ready to go back the next week, but he had to go back to work. I am thinking of contacting my brother and see if I can arrange to come and visit again for a couple of days. In the meantime, a friend of mine is looking to arrange a spa day for us so I can go for a massage and just spend a relaxing day there.