Listen

Many people were coming and going, so there was no time to eat. He said to the apostles, “Come by yourselves to a secluded place and rest for a while.” They departed in a boat by themselves for a deserted place.

Mark 6:31-32

Think

Showing up is a lot: school, community service, extracurriculars, family, and friends. That’s usually the good stuff. There are hard days too, when showing up means caring for a sick loved one, losing a pet, or getting caught in the middle of an argument with friends.

The apostles knew these feelings all too well. They have just gotten back from dealing with the death of their friend, John the Baptist. They are busy, hungry, and hurting. And Jesus is about to tell them to feed 5000 people. But before that, Jesus says: Come away with me.

The life and work we do in Christ can be exhilarating, mundane, joyful, and overwhelming. Jesus cares for us just like his friends, the apostles, knowing what’s required to prepare us for our next act of service: less noise, nourishment, and community. Jesus invites us to go with him and seek this space. Jesus even brings the boat.

Jenny Oliver Hinderer

Question to Ponder:

How do you imagine this place of rest to be, where Jesus invites the disciples?

Pray

All Knowing One, who understands me and all of creation, invite me into the corner of the world you’ve specially marked for me, a space of retreat, so that I may find gentle recovery and renewal for the next day. Amen.

Go

As the hours of the coming day pass, calm presence and bustling activity will ebb and flow.

God is near. God renews. Moment by moment. Each moment for the next moment.