Many months ago a church member left a book on my desk entitled Quiet Places by a little-known author. A note was tucked inside the cover that invited me to take some time for myself. She said she felt called to minister to ministers! She cautioned against burn-out.

Over the year that book moved from one location to another - from my office to my kitchen counter, to the coffee table, to the night stand. One day I’d read a page or more and then weeks and months would go by when I never opened the cover. Life was too busy. There were too many responsibilities. Things like getting used to a new place, dealing with illnesses and choirs and floods and conflicts sapped my energy and my time.

One day I finally nestled into the corner of my favorite chair and read that little book. I read until I finished it. And I felt better. I had slowed down and slipped away physically and mentally and emotionally from all the pressures and burdens. I slipped away to a place where God was amazingly present and calming and filling. Suddenly I could breathe deeper and I felt calmer and more hopeful. I felt more joyful and refreshed. When the apostles came to Jesus to report all they had done, Mark 6:31 says that Jesus didn’t say, “Don’t stop now! You’re on a roll! Keep your nose to the grindstone!” No! Instead he told them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” Jesus himself took time, he called the disciples, and he calls you and me to take time to rest and refresh. Yes, even in the midst of the “everyday-ness” and pressures of life!

So, where is your quiet place? Where do you go and what do you do to refresh from flood recovery work, family struggles, and nagging needs? Summer is a great opportunity to rest and it is a good time to practice what you will continue to do all year long to refresh. This summer let’s not simply exchange one set of frantic activities for another. Let’s develop some new life-giving habits that truly re-create our spirit with the Spirit! Read scripture. Pray. Read books. Talk with friends. Take walks. Listen to music.
Count your blessings. Begin today! If Jesus needed to refresh, we must need it even more!

Summer Blessings,
Pastor Gayle

Want to order anything from Cokesbury? Order using this link and Lovely Lane will receive a rebate.	Visit other United Methodist Sites: General Conference of the United Methodist Church The Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church The People of the United Methodist Church Cedar Rapids District Website Need some assistance on planning a funeral?