Moments of Rest

Then, 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.” - Mark 6:31

My husband and I took our four grandchildren, ages 9-13years old, on a road trip from Houston, Texas, to Kissimmee, Florida. Can you feel the energy? The SUV was full of good vibes, the sounds of laughter, innocent girl chatter, an occasional chime from the teenager’s phone, and Paw Paw singing every song that came on the radio.

Whenever we stopped, it gave everyone a chance to take a break. The driver had a moment from behind the wheel, and we all had a break from sitting as we stretched our legs, went to the potty, and grabbed a snack from the cooler before getting back into our places. The breaks were good, but they felt different depending on where we stopped.

Gas station stops came with navigating moving cars while crossing the parking lot with small children, the hustle and bustle of other travelers, and lines for the bathroom, unless we were at Buc-ee’s, which became extended breaks and searches for favorite snacks. However, a stop at a rest area tucked away off the interstate, surrounded by trees, felt very different. Cars turned in and parked, and the other travelers walked slower because the purpose of the area was to rest. Animals were spotted in the bushes, and a few rocks were collected.

Gas station stops remind me of the short vacations we take from our regular lives. Sometimes they are just as jam-packed and busy as our normal work-life schedules. We feel refueled by doing things that are different and fun, but then it is back to work, back on the road until we feel the need to refuel again. Returning from our trip, I felt refueled. My heart was full of joy from the time spent with the grandkids, but I hadn’t taken a moment to rest.

In Mark 6, Jesus recognized that the disciples had been so busy working, serving, and taking care of others that they had not eaten themselves; so, He called them to a quiet place for rest.

Mark 6:31: Then, 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.”

Honestly, our stop at the rest area was not planned. We planned to stop for gas, but someone needed us to make an unscheduled stop. There was a call for an unplanned stop, and we found what we needed in a rest area. The moment was refreshing. The fresh air from the trees. The quietness was created by the distance from the interstate.

We need gas stations and rest areas in our lives, as well as fun-filled vacations and quiet places for rest. The disciples followed Jesus to a solitary place, but it wasn’t long before the people found them! We did not stay in the rest area long, but I was impressed by how different it felt and how even little moments of quiet time can make a difference.

Find quiet places to sit with Jesus for moments of rest. Early mornings on the porch or next to a window before everyone else wakes up. A chapel at work or a nearby park during your lunch break instead of the noisy cafeteria. Wherever you can find a quiet place, Jesus will meet you there. Take in the moments…and get some rest.