A QUIET PLACE TO REST

A picnic is an enjoyable way to relax. Pack a basket full of yummy goodies to eat and drink, a blanket or groundsheet to sit on, perhaps even a fold-up chair or two, a cushion for your head, and take along a few friends and family members in whose company you are absolutely free to be yourself. Find a quiet place by the riverside, or in the mountains, or at the seaside, rest, be at peace and even experience quiet for a short while.

At this peaceful place one can hear nature - birds, insects, perhaps the quiet sound of a small stream running by, or perhaps for a short while one may have complete silence.

When last have you experienced complete silence?

As I am sitting here pounding the keyboard, the first sound I am aware of is the electronic buzz of the computer; then the sound of my fingers hitting the keys. I can hear the painters who are buy painting the outside of the building, laughing and chatting to each other. In the distance I become aware of the noises of city trafic on a busy main road and an airplane droning overhead, readying to touch down at the airport.

We become so programmed by all these noises, that unless we specifically pay attention, we may hardly be aware of their existence, or origin. Yet, they impact on our subconscious minds and contribute to the stress levels which we are continually having to cope with.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with all its tensions, challenges, upheavels and sorrows, it is difficult to find the time or a safe place to have quietude and peace of mind.

Jesus knew and appreciated the value of having quiet time away from the crowds. We read that He often spent time alone to pray:

         "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed
          to a solitary place and there He prayed."  Mark 1:35

          "So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."  Luke 5:16

Even at the time of His greatest sorrow and trial, in Gethsemane, we find Him putting some distance between Himself and His disciples:

          "And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed.
          Luke 22:41

But it was not only when He wanted to pray that He withdrew from the crowds. He also encouraged His disciples to come away to a quiet place to rest:

           "And He said to them: "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile." For  
           there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." Mark 6:31

Does this sound familiar to you? When last have you, as a family, sat down to a quiet meal?

But even more than the above, Jesus at times made sure that His disciples had a quiet, peaceful meal with Him - even after He had risen from the grave:

          "Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid
           on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just
           caught." Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one
           hundred and fifty-three and although there were so many, the net was not broken.
          Jesus said to them, "Come and eat brakfast." ...Jesus then came and took the bread
          and gave it to them, and lifewise the fish." John 21: 9-13.

What about the here and now? Does Jesus still care whether we have rest; whether we find a quiet place to recuperate from the stresses or this world? Yes, of course, He does:

           "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
           Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
           and you will find rest for your souls." Matt. 11:28-29

"Learn from Me..."

Thank You, Lord, that we may learn from You that it is important to spend some quiet time with You, as well as with our families and nearest and dearest. To put distance between ourselves and the rest of the world so that we may find rest and be at peace.