Reclining by the Lake
Devotion for July 16, 2024: Needing vacation and what it means to find rest and renewal in time off.
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What is something that truly offers you rest? Do you have an activity that others may see as work, but that you experience as calming and peaceful?
As a pastor, I write a lot—sermons, emails, letters, and devotionals. Yet, here I am on vacation, writing this devotional because it is oddly comforting and therapeutic. Whether people read this or not, there's something about reclining by the lake and jotting down part of my conversation with God this morning that brings me peace.
The concept of “rest” is deeper than we often acknowledge. Yes, rest is the absence of work, but it also involves renewal. We cannot just sleep all day and do nothing while on vacation. Although that might sound perfect to many, I'm sure you'll find something that fills you with joy beyond sleeping.
Rest is about renewing not just the body but also the mind and spirit.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers this teaching:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
For Jesus, rest is about lightening the burdens you carry. Loving my job doesn’t negate the weight it puts on my life. I need to take breaks from my vocation, but the challenge is also freeing my mind.
Over the years of pastoring, I've noticed that writing down my thoughts is therapeutic and cathartic. It helps me relax and enjoy my time. Releasing my burdens to Christ helps me understand these moments when I have a million thoughts in my head, and I just open up the notes app on my iPhone and start typing.
The burdens we carry in life can be numerous and varied. There are different ways to rest, unique to each individual. How are you learning more about yourself and finding those ways that rest looks different for you compared to others?
Consider rest and renewal. Consider what it means to use your vacation or any time off to do things that fill you with joy.
Christ lifts your burdens, and if there is a practice that helps in that respect, do not be afraid to implement it into your self-care practices.
Leave a comment with your thoughts:
How do you experience the renewing spirit of Christ?
What are practices that help to “lift the burden” for you?
AMEN!!!
