Heart to Heart
We can almost taste it – the anticipation of a vacation to be with family we haven’t seen in person for 2 years. Right after work on Thursday afternoon, we hit the road and start driving east. It’s a long drive, but so worth it. On the other end of the travel are three grandkids and their parents. Plus the bonus of getting to spend quality time with some dear friends along the way and back.
Proverbial wisdom says if you don’t unstring the bow, it will soon break. The pace of life and ministry has the capacity to cause significant weariness as we invest in people, come alongside in times of crisis, and help others find their way back to God. Along with this privilege & responsibility, comes the weight of other’s burdens, the pain of heartache and loss, and the relentless attacks from the darkness that can rob you of joy and hope. I’m not saying that we’re experiencing all of those things right now, but over the course of time, one feels the weight and often weariness.
This past year, our District pastor’s small group has been studying the importance of Sabbath rest. The God-ordained invitation cease working, so that we might sit at His feet and soak up His goodness and unfailing love. It has been a timely and helpful study to all of us as pastors.
So what comes to mind when you hear the word, “vacation?” For some, it’s a destination. For others, it’s the faces of those we’re going to see. For still others, it’s about getting off the grid and finding a hiding place far from other people, to destress and unwind.
Jesus made sure His disciples recognized their need to “come away” before they “came apart.” “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them (His disciples), “Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 Note the essentials – slowing down and stepping away. Finding quietness that refreshes heart and soul. Leisurely eating & getting some genuine rest, that renews you from the inside out. Being recharged and reinvigorated, so that we can step back into life’s challenges, and re-engage with ministry to others.
Christ has given us the roadmap, and shown us how. Now it’s up to us to work on it.
Diana and I leave for Minnesota on the 2nd, and will return by the 12th. I am adding a few extra days vacation (July 13-17), to tackle some family things that need attention once we are back home. If you need pastoral care or have an urgent need, feel free to reach out to the Elders (Bruce McGee, KP Stevens, Ron Frank, Kelly Sloan) or Pastor Phil.
We look forward to getting back & hearing about your vacation travels,
Pastor Adriaan & Diana ><>