Finding Real Rest

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Matt 6: 32

Petering Out

I was curious about this phrase after it came to mind writing this blog post; I wondered if it actually had to do with the Apostle Peter. So, I looked it up. To “Peter Out” means to dwindle or diminish…and while the origin of this usage is unknown, one authority suggests it may refer to the apostle Peter, whose enthusiastic support of Jesus quickly diminished so that he denied knowing him three times during the night after Jesus’s arrest. Wow. But look how Peter turned it around in the end and became the “rock” of the church! How did he do that…regain his energy to up and lead? I’m sure somehow he had to recover, recharge and renew.

Recover – Make Some Changes

I can often try to rest, although for me it’s hard. Being a Type A extrovert, I usually have lots of energy and have fairly long to-do lists for myself each day and am not retired (yet). Still, I am more aware with age when I start to fade or feel run down…I get anxious or cranky even  and eventually, if I don’t “fill my well” I may experience the flip side of my typical symptoms, getting depressed …and then don’t feel like doing anything at all. Those are times when I’m completely depleted and need to recover, to totally turn things around; a little rest isn’t usually enough in this case. Just like Peter, I need to make a serious change when I get to this point. Possibly to repent…and definitely to make some changes to retrieve balance and be my best self.

Recharge – Just Say “No” and Take a Nap

When I have recovered my balance, there are still times I still feel a little depleted…in need of a little R&R. We find in the Bible several instances of Jesus resting (also see Mark 4:36 and 6:31)…and calling on his disciples to rest. The apostles went off with Jesus on their own sometimes, and Jesus Himself got away for some alone time, when the demands of His followers got to be too much. He even set boundaries, leaving the crowd behind and going off in a boat when they got too demanding. I am about to go on my annual family beach vacation. Will it be relaxing? Well…let’s just say it will be filled with fun as my husband and I join my mom, our five kids, two of their spouses, and four grandchildren. I already know I will need to set boundaries and set apart some alone time…I know I will find it (like Jesus) out in the sea (where I experience true freedom, joy and oneness with the Lord) and know I can always take a beach walk alone or with my husband or maybe even “just say no” to the “crowd” (kids and grandkids) and to take a nap!  

Renew – Find True Rest

I am told in the Bible we find true rest, true peace, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Of my own means, I know I cannot truly renew my energy to enthusiastically face new challenges, fulfill new dreams and even tackle everyday life after vacation. I need to trust in Him who provides perfect peace, which the world cannot give. So I will take my spiritual daily readers on vacation and stick to my practice of starting each day reading them with my cup of coffee. I will pray. I will talk to Him in my alone time swimming or walking. I will pick up the phone and call a sponsor or friend to vent if needed (God also talks to me through people—especially my shepherds, or advisors.) This way I can be restored and be ready to share smiles, love and great memories with those who surround me.

Dear Lord, please help me to seek rest in You. Amen.