“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”
Mark 6:30
“Hey there!”
“Oh hi, good to see you!”
“You too. How’s it been going?”
“Oh busy. I’ve been really busy!”
Does that sound like a grocery store interaction that’s familiar to you? I suppose we don’t really divulge all of our deepest dreams or disappointments over the tomato bin — we keep it fairly superficial. But, how often do we describe our lives as being busy? We say that because it’s true — we are busy!
Jesus and his disciples were busy too. In fact, one time they were described in the gospel of Mark as being so busy ministering to people that they didn’t even have time to eat! Here is how the passage is actually worded: “For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” (Mark 6:31)
When our four kids were all home and in different stages of life and activities from age 3 to 16, I was often too busy to even eat. I felt like Mark 6:31 totally described my existence: ’for many were coming and going!’ But the funny thing is that busyness sometimes becomes addictive. When the kids are grown and gone we’re still busy. A lot of the things we’re busy with are good things. Paul and I are busy with many projects, ideas, people, and responsibilities; and I bet you are too. Being busy isn’t all bad.
But what I love about this interaction that Jesus had with his disciples is that He knew it was neither profitable nor healthy for them to sustain their busyness for long without some renewal. That’s why He invited them to “come away…and rest a while.” This is my simple encouragement for us as we are on the doorstep of the busiest time of the year — make time to come away…and rest your soul.
Matthew 11:28-30 is such a wonderful promise for renewal: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
It’s far easier to write about or talk about than it is to actually set aside time to DO. But, if it was important for Jesus’ disciples, I’m pretty sure it’s important for us as well!
My treatment update is once again uneventful. The radiation machine was not functioning last Friday which caused me to miss a treatment. So, as of today, I have 9 radiation sessions down, 21 to go. The effects may yet catch up with me, but so far, compared to chemo, this is like going on a cruise!
My Love & Blessings,
Sue