Pastor Lou

[Jesus] said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” -- Mark 6:31

A SUMMER BREAK

What do you think of when you think of Summer? I think of gardening, reading a good book, visiting family and friends, seeing some other place, and maybe finally getting to those projects around the house. Every summer, I think that most of us hope for the chance to take a break, appreciate the warmer weather, and to enjoy life! Many wait for time they can take a vacation, even if it is a “staycation.” Yet, too often, reality does not match our plans and dreams. Sometimes the smoke of fires has gotten in the way of some of my plans. I also remember while our children were in school, Summertime often meant some extra energy as all the kids were off from the “normal” school schedule. Summer “breaks” sometimes required more effort than we had expected.

For some of us, a vacation just may not work out. Trips are expensive; it can be hard to break away from work; obligations prevent us. We can feel discouraged when that wanted summer break doesn’t pan out.

The good news is that with Jesus, rest does not have to come with a price tag. Jesus understands that our daily existence can wear us down, even if what we are doing is important and meaningful, even loving. All of us need to have a break. I suppose that is why a Sabbath rest is a commandment, rather than a suggestion. Often finding some rest and relaxation even during the Summer is more of a change of mind. It often requires some intentionality.

When we go away with God and pray that our burden that we are carrying be lifted, God is faithful. We can go away with God, even if it is just into a backyard, the park, or even walk down the road. When we can enjoy the sunshine, birds chirping, and flowers blooming; we can find rest. Let us remember in the above Scripture, even Jesus took some time for rest and relaxation, and he instructed his disciples (that is us) to do the same. We are not made to be on the go continuously. We need those slower days, quiet mornings, and long walks to deal with the weariness that is so common to our human existence.

Even if this Summer is not what you planned for, I would encourage you to make some space for rest and relaxation. Maybe this means that you can manage to stay home for once, instead of running all around. Maybe you might take a walk and invite God to show you creation’s glory. Or get up before the others to enjoy the peace of a quiet house. These are not selfish. When we rest, we are being obedient to God’s call to honor the limitations of our minds, bodies, and spirits. To live fully, we may have to give up some of our busyness for the sake of enjoyment. God calls us to take in the beauty, embrace the stillness, and feel the Presence. So, take time to meet Jesus to once again this summer. As you embrace a time of rest and relaxation, listen to Him speak, restore our trust, or reveal something new about us or God’s nature. 

Let us find rest in knowing that slow moments are a way we honor God. May this God help us find joy and renewal this summer.

Pastor Lou