Over the past several weeks, I have worked at least
six nights per week as a result of a coworker tending to his own very serious
health issues. After the initial “we’ll work you until he comes back or you
quit” phase ended, I had to create a work schedule that allowed for some
downtime away from the office and simultaneously maintain coverage at all
hours. This resulted in an imperfect schedule that allows for a single day off
from work each week until his return or eventual replacement is hired and
properly trained.
Similar to my own situation, we all rush from one
thing to another: From the time the
alarm clock sounds until we lay down for what seems to be a few moments’ rest,
we are perpetually in motion throughout the day with work, appointments, taking
care of our families, putting out fires, and so much more. It seems like a
day’s rest is an elusive mallard duck that we keep missing even with our
shotguns aimed squarely at their bodies!
When the apostles returned from their first mission
trip, they had a lot to report because they were so excited from what they
witnessed, learned, and the experiences they were able to take in. However,
Mark did not record Jesus’s evaluations of their presentations to the
people: he instead focused on His
concern that they were tired and needed rest. “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”
(Mark 6:31).
If Jesus commanded the apostles to take a break
because they needed the rest, then why do we try to work every single day?
We do find true rest within God by recognizing His
presence and trusting Him that. As we learn to relax our grip on our work,
ministry, careers, and other ancillary distractions to turn over to God in
faith, we discover that a few quiet moments – and eight hours’ sleep – do a
world of good as we reflect in gratitude of what He has done for us through
love and faithfulness.
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