A light dusting of snow materialized during the night and a quietness settled over my yard. As I watched the birds float in and out to the feeders, they too, seemed to slow down just a bit. The stillness – a reminder to slow down, rest and “just breathe.”
This time of year, with all of its joy, excitement and wonder also stirs-up chaos. Our “to-do” list grows as the urgent needs tug at our time and energy while sneaking in and assaulting our minds – stealing our peace. The “gotta-get-it-done” of getting the house and tree decorated, gifts bought and wrapped, planning, buying and preparing of special foods, party attendance, baking, as well as, the continual growing “other” details that call out for our attention; all seem to steal the beauty of the season.
How do we adjust this, how do we bring our lives back to the simplicity of the season?
Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.(ESV)
The disciples had just come back from a very busy mission trip where they had been barraged day and night meeting needs as they shared the gospel. Jesus knew and gave them the answer – come away and rest!
This is our answer also, come away and rest! Even in the midst of all that screams it’s need.
The space we create – time to rest at the feet of Jesus – is just like the dusting of snow over my yard – it brings a stillness that allows us to breathe. It is a resetting of our body, mind and spirit. In this place of rest, even if it is a 10-minute respite, Holy Spirit will come to bring peace. Here in this quiet place, you will find a place where those nagging pressures will begin to dissolve.
This place of “rest” is where His grace flows, the Spirit refuels and where His mercy adjusts life’s pressures. Here, in this place of rest – sitting at the feet of Jesus – your priorities, as well as your relationships will be re-aligned and restored with His plans and purposes. It’s here, where you “come away and rest for a while” that you find the simplicity of peace. His stillness will bring a reminder to “just breathe.”
Unearthing His Treasures 