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 6:31 (NIV)

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Ah, what a welcome request to a mother of four who works full-time and volunteers at her church. Or, to a high school algebra teacher who moonlights as an assistant football coach, while also caring for his elderly father. Or, to a group of college students preparing for mid-term exams while working part-time to pay for school. And, even to a single woman who hasn’t dated in over a year and just started a new job. The invitation to rest with Jesus is for everyone.

So often I’ve found myself busily running from here to there, getting the job done, checking off the list of “to-dos,” and showing up for this appointment and that event that I forget to take time to rest with Jesus. I am so busy trying to make everyone around me happy and do things the way I think others want me to do them that I forget that the time given to me on this earth was for God’s purpose, not mine, and not someone else’s.

It’s so important to find a balance between serving others, doing what I want, and most importantly, following God’s plan. How exactly do I do that?
For me, I start each day by spending time in God’s word. Whether I’m reading the Bible, a daily meditation book on spirituality or another topic that centers me in God’s plan, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I start my day by talking to God and searching for His guidance.

To take it one step further, I also look out at the week ahead and make sure I plan for time of community with others who share the path of spiritual substance that brings me peace. This could be church attendance, joining a support group with people in the same season of life as I, or planning to meet for coffee and conversation with a spiritual advisor or friend.

To sigh as I close my eyes and sit calmly in the light of acceptance that comes from Jesus is something I must have on a regular basis. Without it, I have no rest.