“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6: 31b
I read your invitation this week, Lord – Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
Thank you for asking me but with regrets, I am rather busy right now.
I have things to accomplish.
People seeking my help.
And I do want some time for me, you know.
Maybe I can squeeze You in a little next week…
Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
I reread your statement. I don’t see the RSVP. You mean this isn’t an optional request?
Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
You gently change my heart, stop my frenzied fretfulness, and refocus my energy to You. I let go of my all important to-do list, drop my agenda, and slowly ease into Your heart.
I see Your hand open, welcoming me into Your presence. I reach for You to join You.
I come by myself – leaving behind my close associates of busyness, worries, fears, and habits. I shed my backpack of dreams, desires, and difficulties. I take off the heavy clothing of burdens and expectations and run to You, stripped of all that comes between us.
I find quiet instead of disquiet. Wordless stillness unites our hearts.
I find refreshing rest. My thirst that I so frantically tried to satisfy in the outside world is suddenly quenched.
I find You.
An invitation? A command? Doesn’t matter. You called. You beckon me every moment. May I always hear Your summons and come running.