The Need for Rest

“Sometimes it seems things go by too quickly.
We are so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us
that we don't take the time to enjoy where we are.”
— CALVIN —
CALVIN & HOBBES

Today marks the 11th day of our family vacation to Florida. We are really enjoying ourselves. The first couple days, we stayed with friends in Lakeland. We spent one of those days on the beach in St. Petersburg. It was great to unwind in the water and watch my kids collect shells - a real treat for them since they have grown up land-locked in Austin and near Chicago. I even found a sand dollar.

The next six days were spent in Disney mode. It was pretty much perfect. Almost no crowds. Sunny weather in the 80s. We did great as a family — a lot of laughing and smiling and talking about what we enjoyed the most. While it was wonderful, it was exhausting.

I am so thankful for this last leg of our trip - 7 days at a resort community here in Orlando - where we have been sticking to our plan to do pretty much nothing. Sleeping in. Snacking all day long. Reading books. Going for a jog. Watching football. Lazing around the condo. Kicking back in the gorgeous pool.


This isn't our normal life...nor should it be. But it's important to take time out to rest. To be still. To think about who we are. And who we want to be. To unplug from the noise in our lives and listen to God. Over the past few years, the discipline of silence has become increasingly important to me. I see it more and more as central to following Christ and dwelling with Him. Here are just of few of my favorite quotes and verses on slowing down.

“I think the Devil has made it his business to monopolize
on three elements: noise, hurry, crowds…
Satan is quite aware of the power of silence.”
— JIM ELLIOT —
1927-1956

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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."
— JESUS —
MATTHEW 11:28-29

“How can you expect God to speak in that gentle and inward voice which melts the soul, when you are making so much noise with your rapid reflections? Be silent, and God will speak again.”
— FRANCOIS FENELON —
1651-1715

"Be still and know that I am God..."
— Psalm 46:10 —

I think busy people with hectic schedules have trouble being godly people with Kingdom schedules. Our culture pressures us to have noisy, crazy lives. It seems to be so ingrained in the American lifestyle that many can't imagine anything different. For so long, I know I couldn't. But life doesn't have to be this way. As we run through this margin-less rat race, we yearn for something different. We long for a type of rest that we aren't even sure this world can provide. Of course, what we are really looking for is something we lost in a garden a very long, long time ago.

“You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in You."
— AUGUSTINE —
354-430

So, here's to vacations, long walks, afternoons at the beach, sunsets and anything else that helps you slow down, unplug and listen.