Life is noisy. Everywhere. There are televisions in elevators shouting the latest news-worthy crisis. There are horns blaring from impatient people in the cars behind us. There are children throwing tantrums in grocery stores (I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying that with my grandson just this week). And then there is the constant noise inside our own heads.
There’s something about getting away from the hustle and bustle, the noisy world we live in, to a place of respite and refreshment. Maybe it’s the silence that allows our minds to breathe. Maybe it’s slowing down to hear God’s gentle whisper of love and care for us, placing our burdens only meant for His shoulders. Maybe it’s the surrounding simple beauty that soothes our hurried souls and draws us to Beauty Himself. Maybe it’s the intangible peace we receive and feel in our very bodies when we give room and space for quiet.
Constant. Noise. Drains. The. Life. Out. Of. Us. Jesus invites us to something very different. He rarely tells us to hurry up. He often spoke the opposite to his friends when He was living in this “speed-it-up” world. He knew (for them and for us) that we humans desperately need self-care and replenishment, restoration and renewal, places that GIVE LIFE.
“Come away to a quiet place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)
This place of withdrawal is a gift Jesus so longs to give us, not another “should” on our endless list. He wants LIFE for me and for you, for us in our collective humanity, the most full and abundant life that we are designed for. He knows what we need to be WHOLE and WELL. Rest is not selfish, lazy, or impractical. It is truly freeing and life-giving, a present straight from the tender heart of God for us to unwrap.
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Where is this place of restoration for you? Is it a simple walk around the block listening to your favorite music? Is it laying down for a much-needed nap on a Sunday afternoon? Is it sitting alone in your car watching the sunset from your favorite overlook? Is it putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode for a few hours, giving yourself a break from the constant buzzing and dinging? Whatever it is, do it often and regularly. Make it a part of the rhythm of your day, your week, your month, even your year. In the hustle and bustle of ordinary life, give yourself permission to retreat, withdraw and rest.
The noisy world will be calling to you soon enough.
From my heart to yours.
P.S. I am heading horizontal this afternoon.
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For other posts about my journey toward rest, check these out by clicking HERE.
The Dolly Mama 