A time to rest

One of my favourite Bible verses is Mark 6:31. Jesus says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV)

Isn’t that beautiful?

Jesus’ disciples had just been on a mission. They’d been healing the sick, casting out demons, and spreading the word about Jesus. Perhaps one would expect Jesus to say when they came back, “Alright, amazing work! Let’s do more. Let’s keep up the momentum.”

But He says, “Come with me by yourselves and rest.”

December is one of my favourite months.

It is also usually my busiest month of the year. While I love the hustle and bustle of December and all the excitement that comes with preparing for Christmas, I’ve come to appreciate it more and more as a time of rest.

Sometimes, rest from physical work isn’t possible for me in December because this is the peak season for my business.

But although I may have to keep working on some things, I can use this month as a time to refocus on Jesus.

That’s what I love about that verse. He doesn’t say, “Go and have a rest.” He says, “Come with Me, and rest.”

We writers are achievers. We love to keep doing the work that we love.

But I really encourage you to do what it takes this month to clear as much of your schedule as possible so that you can just spend time resting with Jesus.

Spend time in the Word. Spend time contemplating His amazing sacrifice for you.

That’s what I’m going to be doing this month. I have a huge workload, but I’m also going to step back from a few things.

One of those things is this blog. So, you won’t hear from me again until January.

I admit I don’t like taking a break from writing.

But I’ve learned the hard way that rest is a vital part of being able to continue to write quality, meaningful content.

So if, like me, you’re feeling that it’s time to put up that pen, or turn off that computer for a little while, don’t feel guilty about it.

You can always come back to your writing next year.

Remember, your writing and your ability to serve others flows out of your relationship with Christ.

Spend time with your Lord this Christmas.

I look forward to being back in January!

-

P.S. If you can’t take a “real” break, here are some things that I’ve done in previous Decembers to at least give myself a spiritual rest:

• Binge-listen to an entire sermon series on a particular book of the Bible. This is great if you do a lot of manual work that doesn’t require much thought.

• Schedule 30 minutes - 1 hour each day to prayerfully contemplate the year behind, the year ahead, and to refocus on God’s love in Christ.

• Listen to Christ-focused podcasts while driving.

• Find a Christmas carol that you don’t know well and learn it by heart. Many of the old carols are rich with biblical truth!

Just ideas. I hope they’re helpful! :)

Have a blessed December!