Word from Wiese

Lobster

Lobster

15 June 2022

Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 

Mark 6.31-32

Jesus modeled a human rhythm of life that included quiet times for rest.   As a Jesus FOLLOWER, I join many of you in trying to follow Jesus in that Sabbath advice.  So as you read this Wednesday, I hope that I’m in Bar Harbor, Maine exploring Acadia National Park with LuAnne and some college friends.

lobsterJesus takes his mini-vacation mentioned above in between mourning the beheading of his cousin, John the Baptist and the feeding of the 5,000.  My vacation comes between my attendance at synod assembly/congregational meeting and the start of two significant staff searches.  I’m not sure if any of us will ever feel we work as hard as Jesus.  But nevertheless, Jesus invites all his friends of both the first and twenty-first century to take time to smell the roses in between our ministry efforts.

Well, maybe Jesus couldn’t actually “smell roses” out on his boat of relaxation.  Instead, he probably smelled bait and fish . . .  and enjoyed the scent . . .  while casting nets with a few buddies out on the beautiful water.   Instead of fish, I’m going to search for lobster . . . . with a little butter.

As you return from, take on, or prepare for your own experience of rest, I congratulate you.  I pray that our Creator God renews your spirit through that quieter place somewhere special just as Jesus experienced when he left his regular pace of life for an experience away.

Let us pray.  

Dear God, thanks for the times when we can “go hard” working.  But thanks for the time when we listen to Jesus’ call to seek out quieter places where we hear you in special ways and feel your renewing touch with a few special people you give us.  Guide our schedules so that we have healthy times for both.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.