Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 12, 2011
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32
Wise leaders lead others into rest—they find a quiet place and rest together. After extreme busyness rest is required, as your spirit begins to rebel against the hustle and bustle of life. The joy of service for God starts to fade. People become a drain rather than a blessing. It is time to breakaway to a solitary place. Jesus took a break after a big event.
If you continually push yourself you will eventually lose all energy and perspective. A driven heart becomes a judgmental heart. You begin to look down on others because they are not pulling their weight. Your joy is replaced with jaded criticism. You feel you are the only one who is really committed. Your peers have become slackers in your mind.
Furthermore, be careful you may be serving out of your own strength and not the Spirit’s. It is the Holy Spirit that sustains you over the long haul. Wise leaders understand the danger of an unsustainable schedule. You begin to sacrifice relationships in reach of unrealistic goals. Indeed, God gives us goals as a guide and motivation, but do not be driven by the goal—rather be lead by the Holy Spirit.
Otherwise the goal can become your god. Unchecked goal setting can lead you down the path of disappointment and disillusionment. You may need to better pace yourself. Be patient. Develop the team around you and watch God work through them way beyond your capacity. Indeed, some of your team development comes in the quiet places.
Find a quiet spot and calendar a time today for you and your team. They desperately need this enrichment both personally and professionally. Without a retreat they may be unable to advance. Some may be on the verge of burnout or quitting because of discouragement. Solitary places allow you and your team to recalibrate with the vision and mission of the organization. Quiet times together build camaraderie and trust.
A retreat is an investment. By taking time to pause you are able to continue—and you continue with more effectiveness and efficiency. A quiet place is an opportunity to get on the same page with God. Your soul is refreshed and replenished. The words of the Bible leap from the pages and lodge in the crevices of your heart and mind. A retreat is an exercise of trust that routine matters will be taken care of in your absence.
Take a retreat for your sake and sanity—and for the morale of the team. We hear more clearly when it is quiet. Our comprehension expands. Our bodies rest. Our soul is renewed. A solitary place provides strength and stamina to finish well. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest in a quiet place!
“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15
When can I calendar a retreat time with my team for rest and reflection?
Related Readings: Job 3:25-26; Psalm 37:7; John 6:37; 1 John 3:19
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