‘Let’s take a break and get a little rest,’ Jesus said to
his exhausted followers.
I remember the constant pressure of having toddlers and pre-schoolers
in the home, the energetic activity and endless demands. Once I planted a
couple of mine in front of ‘Playschool’, a television programme which was on
for fifteen or twenty minutes in the morning. I quietly closed the door to the
bedroom and sank to my knees. I wanted to take a break with Jesus, and get a
little rest.
Within a minute or two, however, both kids burst into the
bedroom, arguing over something.
Jesus went off with his tired friends, but by the time they
arrived at their place of rest, a huge crowd surrounded them, demanding his
ministry. With compassion and grace, Jesus went ‘right to work’ teaching them.
I’d like to say mine was a reaction of compassion and grace.
I was more like the disciples, advising Jesus to send the crowd away. I was
irritated and cross, cheated of my fifteen minutes of rest with Jesus. I felt
like sending the kids ‘away’ back to the telly. I didn’t show any compassion or
grace, and never tried to get away again like that, recognising I showed more
grace sitting with them watching Playschool than bursting into an angry tirade
when my moment was gone.
Circumstances don’t always let us get away to a quiet place
with Jesus and get some rest. He can give us ‘rest on the run’ when we’re under
pressure, but for me, anyway, making space in my day or week to take a little
break with Jesus, maybe worshipping with Christian music or walking with him in
the woods, is crucial for my health.
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