I am writing this in a quiet place, where I have come, to get some rest. To breathe, to listen, and to speak (but only a little). To spend time away; to spend it with Jesus.
Out the window of my little pine-floored cabin, the morning fog is beginning to lift so that I can see the valley. I’ve got a fire going in the wood-burning stove; my Bible and journal beside me on the couch.
I’m here, in the mountains near Little Rock, Arkansas, to facilitate a “48 Hours of Silence” retreat at the Ozark Conference Center (www.ozarkconference.org) for a small group of women.
The project appealed to me, although the group was small, because I only needed to give a few short (10-minute) talks. I also have had my own cabin and hours of solitude in a beautiful place in between those talks.
The last six months has been a busy time of ministry for me. It’s been a productive but somewhat tiring time.
Mark 6 describes Jesus sending the twelve out “two by two,” to preach, teach, cast out evil spirits, and heal.
Their ministry succeeds, the Bible tells us. They accomplish what Jesus has empowered them to do. But when they return to him, Jesus does not say, “Great! Don’t stop now, build on your momentum, keep working!” Rather, look at what happens:
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 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 6:30-31)
As Jesus’ disciples, he has sent us out to do ministry. And you are doing exactly that, perhaps with great results. Or, perhaps with only small results. Either way, I guess that you work hard—in obedience to his calling on your life. You perhaps feel a bit weary. That’s to be expected. Or perhaps you feel energized—seeing small changes in kids’ lives, or perhaps even big changes. And you may be reporting to Jesus—look what I’m doing. Isn’t it great?
It is wonderful, of course. But sometimes we tell Jesus what we’re doing, and then run off to do more without waiting for his response. We assume he’ll say, “Keep up the good work!” Or like a coach on the sidelines, he’ll give us some instructions and then say, “Now get back in the game.” We assume our ministry work is never done.
But Jesus, after hearing of all our “doing,” calls us to come away, to rest, to be quiet. To take some time to simply be. Eventually, the clock winds down and the game, at least for today, is done.
Do you, in your ministry to children, ever feel that you have so many young people coming and going that you don’t “even have a chance to eat?” In our day, we can grab fast food; but in Jesus’ day, eating took a bit more time and thought and preparation.
Let’s read the verse this way: So many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to be fed. What are you doing to nourish your soul? Are you letting Jesus feed you with his presence? Have you feasted on his love by spending time in solitude? In solitude we know experientially that God loves us unconditionally, because we are still, and resting, and not doing anything to earn his favor.
It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t say, “Here—have a sandwich.” He doesn’t offer a quick snack, but invites them away to rest and refresh—they will enjoy a meal, perhaps, but not one of fast food.
Jesus calls us to a rhythm of rest and work; of being and doing. The text says he sent his disciples out, instructing them on how to minister. But he also called them to take a break, to rest and be fed, both physically and spiritually.
I cannot begin to describe the healing and nourishing effect that this weekend of quiet has had on my soul. I’ve shared some simple thoughts with the women, and have been encouraged and strengthened by their response to my books and my words. I’ve had hours of solitude with no television, no phone, no interruptions. Time to walk in the woods, to sit by the fire, to read Madeleine L’Engle or my Bible, to write in my journal, or to simply look out the window at the birds or the Ozark Mountains in the distance—these things have fed me.
Jesus calls to you “come away with me by yourself.” It’s a call to intimacy, to be fed by his companionship.
I urge you—find a quiet place to rest. Serve with diligence. Share and celebrate the results. But then, take some time to come away and rest with Jesus.
Keri Wyatt Kent is an author and speaker. Her latest book, Oxygen: Deep Breathing for the Soul, offers guidance for times alone with Jesus. To learn more about her ministry or about personal retreats, go to www.keriwyattkent.com.
Copyright © 2007 Promiseland.
