Summer Peace

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

Jesus prioritized taking time apart to pray and rest. He invited his busy friends to come with him to a quiet place and promised them some rest. We are not always so good at taking time apart. An invitation for a recent poolside rest brought a breath of fresh air and peace to my busy mind and reminded me of the importance of time apart. As we approach summertime in the midst of our busy lives, ministries, and serving, we are also called to rest and refreshment. Even if it’s just a micro-rest poolside or lakeside, it is good for us to take time apart which gives us energy to work and serve with joy. When we take time to pray each day, we find rest in Jesus. If you find yourself weary and in need of rest, invite Jesus to join you in your quiet place to sit with you and bring you peace. This summer look for opportunities for physical rest and spiritual growth through opportunities for a little mindful time apart and embrace this “Creed of Rest” for summer peace:

BE STILL

Peaceful stillness is my natural state.

On a quiet morning, when the wind is calm, a mountain lake is still and serene.

Calm is the natural state of the waters just as peaceful stillness is my natural state of being.

If I feel agitated by conditions in the outer world,

I remember that beyond the waves of anxiety or doubt, there is a reservoir of peace.

I may not be able to quiet the activity of others, but I can quiet my own.

I slow down and take a meditative pause.

I inhale and exhale with the intention of soothing my state of mind.

I don’t deny difficulty, but I aim to address it with calm serenity.

I return to my natural state of inner stillness. True peace is found within me.

I allow that peace to guide my words and actions.

 Summer peace,

Pastor Andrea