Balancing Service and Rest

One popular author wrote of another, “At an age when he should have been enjoying retirement on a beach in Florida, he kept getting on airplanes and flying to places to proclaim a gospel he believes with all his heart. . .” While there is no beach in Florida calling out to me, I do know the tension; that of the desire to serve, being balanced with the need to rest. The older I get, the more rest I need between opportunities of service, but the tension is not limited to those who are aging. Jesus understood and often took His disciples to a quiet place – the mountains, the desert, the sea shore – away from the crowds needing ministry. On one occasion “Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness” (John 11:54). He taught us that the best way to minister to people was to occasionally get away from people. But it is so hard, especially if you are one who never says “no” to an invitation to serve. As one friend said, “The mind writes checks that the body can’t cash.” But rest we must. Another friend encouraged me to “divert daily, withdraw weekly, and absent myself annually.” I’m trying. How about you?

Join me this week in praying for the following global requests:
• Pray for Bethany, the daughter of Randy and Joan of Slovenia, who is undergoing tests for possible viral meningitis, West Nile virus, and/or encephalitis.
• Pray for Mick as he teaches fifteen prospective cross-cultural missionaries in Ukraine Aug. 18-23.
• Give thanks for the Forlow’s safe arrival in metro Vancouver and for them being granted a four year visa.