Give it a Rest

Mark 6:30-34 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."
Resting is not easy for many people Our self worth is dependent on what we produce – how may things we can get done. But can you have a “productive” day of rest?

Exodus 20:8 8 Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.

Intentional/planned/regular rest periods are much more effective than working till you’re exhausted then trying to play catch up.

I remember a long hike I took with my son when he was 11. He was running up the trail ahead of me and having a great time – a true bundle of energy. A couple of miles into the hike, however, he hit the wall. He was tired, he “hated hiking” etc. We stopped for a long rest and lunch but in truth he never regained his joy.

The next time we went hiking I was smarter. I told him 20 minutes into the hike that I was getting old and tired and needed to rest and he would have to humor me and wait for me. That day we hiked 6 miles altogether and he never broke spirit.
Even in the pursuit of something as wonderful as service to others in Christ’s name we have to watch and plan for the care of our own spirits long before we get tired. Then we shall mount up on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint.