September Slow Down

 

Yesterday, we heard how Jesus went off into the wilderness to pray in Mark’s gospel.  We then hear how Jesus came out of the wilderness, called disciples, healed the sick, and began to share his light and God’s love with others.  Finally, Jesus is earning his keep!  Wait, the next sentence states, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”  (Mark 1:35).  From my math-loving friends, Jesus engages in 22 verses of action before finding solitude with the Sacred.  Jesus doesn’t stay “on” forever; he turns the light switch to “off”.  He doesn’t keep giving but allows himself to receive.

 

What would it mean to rest with God?  What would that look like or feel like?  There are many different ways to rest or connect with God.  You can read a psalm, listen to music that soothes your soul, sit in silence, or slowly chew a piece of bread with a sip of juice as communion.  Notice that there is a rhythm here of rest and engagement.  There is a cycle of ministry and stopping the perpetual motion.  There is both being and doing.  Look back at September to ponder when did you stop?  Is there a holy habit in your week of spending time with the Sacred?   Or do you tend to cease movement only when you become so exhausted that your body won’t move another foot or run another errand?  To be intentional about all the forms of rest we need (see Morning Meditations from the week of September 1).  This isn’t just for one month; it is a holy routine or liturgy of our life.  May you find a space and place to be with God today in ways that hold you in healing love.  Amen.