Rest Stops

“ . . . he said to them [the disciples], ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

It doesn’t do us any good to get on a highway and drive many hours without taking a break. Sure, we may arrive at our destination earlier, but we are likely to arrive grumpy, jumpy, and lumpy. A painful back, a stiff neck, tired eyes, sore arms, and aching hands are some of the products of sitting for hours behind the wheel. Stopping and stretching every couple of hours can make a big difference in how we feel after a long day on the road.

Most states provide clean, comfortable rest areas for travelers. Usually, a drinking fountain and a pop machine stand in a conspicuous spot. Some rest areas include dog walks. If you travel in the Chicago area, you may be pleasantly surprised to find fast food restaurants at rest areas. Because the restaurants span the interstate highway, you can sit at a table, enjoy your food, and watch cars and trucks pass below you.

In addition to rest areas, convenient restaurants, motels, service stations, and shopping areas cluster near highway exists. You can’t miss the posted signs that announce those services.

Mark, chapter 6, informs us Jesus’ disciples had returned to Him after an extremely busy itinerant ministry. They hadn’t even had a chance to eat. Knowing the importance of physical rest, Jesus invited them to accompany Him to a quiet place and get some rest.

The long journey through life offers opportunities to check out of constant busyness and check in for some much-needed rest. Quiet moments with Jesus prepare us for the next leg of the journey.

—By Jim Dyet. © 2008, Anchor