Come Away With Me and Rest

We needed to get away. 

To rest.

But simply getting away from our usual routine wouldn't be enough. The fatigue and cares of our hearts would simply follow us to another location {albeit a beautiful one}, but not relieve them.

No, what we needed was to rest with the only one who can truly heal and strengthen. The only one who provides strength that endures; that fills the soul with rich hope. Instead of running away from the daily stresses of life, we chose to run to the One who restores and revives us to live well within it.

"Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile." -Jesus {Mark 6:31}

He invites us to rest with Him. What tender care!

So, we went into our family vacation this past week with a goal, a purpose: Jesus-centered rest.

Worship. 

We chose a place that had very little cellular connection. Sporadic at best. Rural and private. Such a good decision.

Peaceful. Quiet.

Our agenda was simple: enjoy Jesus and allow Him to decide what kind of rest we need. He knows better than we.

Enjoying Jesus through what He has made. The stars, the waves, the sea life, the trees, and one another.

"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your possessions." Psalm 104:24

The first night we all sat on the beach and watched the stars appear before us. Ella brought her little telescope. Humbled was our soul's response. The night sky was vast and rich with twinkling lights blanketing the darkness. Planets displaying the glory of their Maker.

Jupiter and Venus in the night sky.

"O Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens...when I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?" Psalm 8:1,3-4

Finding rest in the greatness of God. Marveling at how big He is; how powerful. And standing in awe that He chose to love us. To think about us. To enjoy and befriend us.

"Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You." Psalm 63:2-3

There is no rest like this. My Savior's heart filling my own.

We were awoken each morning by the sun pouring through the window. Being sweetly reminded that as certain as the sun will rise, God will come to us. That He is here.

Birds singing their morning praises to their Creator. Inviting us to do the same.

We began our days as a family by satisfying our soul's thirst through His Word. Letting it direct our hearts for the day. Drinking in its goodness.

Ella's drawing of our family studying the Word together.

"In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3

My heart now beating in rhythm with its Maker.

Our days were filled with exploration. Our eyes keen to watch for God. This was so much fun. There is so much to see around us; so much of God is revealed in His creation.

"The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it." Psalm 24:1

Over each meal shared we talked about all the things we had seen earlier in the day; the amazing things that God had created and that we got to admire. We reminded ourselves why they were created. For His glory. And, oh man, is He glorious!

This precious week, we laughed hard, played freely, splashed wildly, collected curiously, and built with inspiration. We enjoyed God, and we enjoyed one another. 

We spoke often of what heaven would be like; of the things we look forward to. Causing a well of hope and joy to rise within our souls. We continually gave thanks to the "...God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." {1 Timothy 6:17} both now and what is to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This time away was a gift for our family. The gift of rest. I'm so thankful that we unplugged and simply took pleasure in God in the midst of His breath-taking creation. Allowing Him to be the center of our vacation. And it was wonderful.

"[The Lord] leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul...my cup overflows." Psalm 23:2-3,5

O Lord, rest is what we needed, and rest is what You provided. More than I expected. More than I even realized that I needed. You are more than enough for me. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.