“Come with me and get some rest!” – Jesus Christ

Before the feeding of the 5,000, the apostles attempted to tell Jesus what they’d been up to. They’d been busy and were probably proud of themselves for teaching and ministering to the gathering crowd.

Jesus responded with this: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” In Mark 6:31, Jesus encouraged His followers to let go of the noise, confusion, and distractions.

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I love the story of Sherpas who serve as guides in the Himalayan Mountains. It is their job to lead climbers and carry their equipment up the rugged mountainsides. They escort and encourage novice and experienced climbers on steep and sometimes dangerous pathways.

In the middle of their ascent, these Sherpas unexpectedly stop, giving no explanation to their followers. They simply put down their heavy loads as if waiting for someone or something. And, they rest.

When asked why they stopped, the Sherpas reply, “We are waiting for our souls to catch up with our bodies.”

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Modern culture demands we push through. We GO until there is no GO left, driven by full calendars and hefty ‘to-do’ lists. We check one thing off our list then add two more.

With a Git-R-Done mindset, we expect our bodies to keep pace, then wonder why we feel scattered, shattered, and disconnected. Where is the balance and wholeness we so desperately need? We are depleted and fatigued, lacking time to renew, rest, and reflect.

Jesus knows we weren’t created for such chaos. Our souls have a God-given tempo – slow and deliberate.

Jesus still reaches out to His followers, inviting us to linger longer. Can you hear Him above the chaos?

“Come with me and get some rest.”

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Creative Creator,

Thank you for your patience. Please be present with us and help us to rest; to wait as our souls catch up. Refresh us, strengthen us, and bless us as we serve You in our homes, families, and communities.

We love you, Lord.

Amen.