Footie Pajamas
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
I listened as she stared past me and set her eyes on a toddler clad in footie pajamas, resting on his mother's hip and secure in her embrace. With a longing gaze and soft smile she said, "I am jealous of him. How good it would feel to be where he is at, to be his age - to be taken care of." She is an accomplished woman, gifted and successful, but tired. And like all of us, wants to know there is a place where she can dwell that is safe and secure-a place where she can rest, a place where she is held.
The disciples had just returned from a trip Jesus had sent them on - healing the sick, delivering the demon-possessed and preaching the good news. As they enthusiastically recounted their experiences to Jesus, still others were approaching ready to be ministered to as well. Jesus took the disciples aside and said, "Let's get away a little bit so we can spend some time together, you can get a little rest and a bite to eat." (my paraphrase) They had been doing such important things that needed to be done! Despite the significance, Jesus encouraged them to do something equally important - take a break and enjoy sweet rest.
There will always be activity-an e-mail to send, a phone call to return, another day of work, another meal to make. There will always be people to serve and unending opportunities to pour out more of ourselves. Many things will vie for our attention driving us to the point of exhaustion physically, mentally and emotionally. However, in order to continue on, we must be filled up. Rest, which is often the first thing to go in our hectic schedules is the very thing we need to be effective. Rest ushers us into the posture of seeing, hearing and just being with our Father. There is One who is waiting to be our Resting Place, One who will hold us and take care of us. We just need, like a little child, to allow ourselves to be held.
Father, You are so strong and I can become so tired, not only physically but in my thoughts and emotions as well. Thank You for holding out Your arms so that I can run to You and be held. Not only do You allow me to rest, but You want to be the place where I rest. I love You. Amen.
Jocelyn Hamsher
I listened as she stared past me and set her eyes on a toddler clad in footie pajamas, resting on his mother's hip and secure in her embrace. With a longing gaze and soft smile she said, "I am jealous of him. How good it would feel to be where he is at, to be his age - to be taken care of." She is an accomplished woman, gifted and successful, but tired. And like all of us, wants to know there is a place where she can dwell that is safe and secure-a place where she can rest, a place where she is held.
The disciples had just returned from a trip Jesus had sent them on - healing the sick, delivering the demon-possessed and preaching the good news. As they enthusiastically recounted their experiences to Jesus, still others were approaching ready to be ministered to as well. Jesus took the disciples aside and said, "Let's get away a little bit so we can spend some time together, you can get a little rest and a bite to eat." (my paraphrase) They had been doing such important things that needed to be done! Despite the significance, Jesus encouraged them to do something equally important - take a break and enjoy sweet rest.
There will always be activity-an e-mail to send, a phone call to return, another day of work, another meal to make. There will always be people to serve and unending opportunities to pour out more of ourselves. Many things will vie for our attention driving us to the point of exhaustion physically, mentally and emotionally. However, in order to continue on, we must be filled up. Rest, which is often the first thing to go in our hectic schedules is the very thing we need to be effective. Rest ushers us into the posture of seeing, hearing and just being with our Father. There is One who is waiting to be our Resting Place, One who will hold us and take care of us. We just need, like a little child, to allow ourselves to be held.
Father, You are so strong and I can become so tired, not only physically but in my thoughts and emotions as well. Thank You for holding out Your arms so that I can run to You and be held. Not only do You allow me to rest, but You want to be the place where I rest. I love You. Amen.
Jocelyn Hamsher
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posted by Becki at
9:26 AM
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