They had been out on assignment for some time, doing all sorts of work and helping all kinds of people. I imagine they were tired from their journey, excited about what they had accomplished, confused about a few things they had encountered, and ready to regroup, recharge, and do it again.
As they got back together and congregated around their teacher to share, there were so many people coming and going around Jesus, they just couldn't get any time to themselves. It was pandemonium.
So, knowing they needed a little time alone with each other, Jesus recommended they break away from the crowds for a bit.
"Then Jesus said, 'Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.' He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone." (Mark 6:31-32)
Ever feel that you are spending so much time doing you just aren't spending any time thinking? All running and no resting? Me too. Which is why it's so important to take a little time away to work ON your business, not just IN it. In fact, as I write this, I'm preparing to spend the day with a room full of super-talented leaders from other companies to share ideas, discuss our businesses, think, and grow.
Processes need to be adjusted, scripts developed, data analyzed, strategies created, and most importantly, you need rest, mentally and physically.
The same is true for your marriage and family. I watch couples so often run so fast in so many directions, taking care of everything and everybody at such a busy and frantic pace, they forget to take care of what's most important...each other and their relationship.
Get off to a quiet place and rest, Jesus says.
Take time with your team to report in, talk, share a meal, and recharge for the coming battle. A beautiful car with no gas goes nowhere. Fill your tank and make sure you are on the right road.
Set aside time with your spouse or your most important relationships, not to "do" but to "be". Put it on your calendar and don't allow yourselves to feel guilty about time away from kids, work, productivity, and other people's problems. That will all be there when you get back. The question is, will you?
Be still and know that I am God, the Lord says. If we don't slow down every now and then to connect with Him, we risk something else becoming our god. And that’s not a risk worth taking.
