RETREAT
You are not alone in your quest for rest.
I pray as we think about rest that you begin to see it as an invitation not simply an obligation. I also know that anytime we start poking around this area, there can be a tendency to be filled with shame, remorse, or regret, but we also know that the kindness of God is what leads us to repentance.
We can collectively confess that we may be running at an unsustainable pace in that confession, we know that we serve a God, who lovingly, tenderly, and gently is inviting us into rest. Laziness is not of the kingdom of God, but neither is being overly busy.
There was a time early on in my career when God seemed to be blessing everything we touched. Creativity was flowing, opportunities were opening up, all resulting int the expansion of the kingdom of God all over the world.
We felt invincible. A part of God’s army!
Our time was short, right?
We needed to work hard because our days are numbered.
In all honesty, there was a lot of immaturity and a whole ton of pride that were secretly fueling many of these endeavors. I was being affirmed for what I could produce. I could produce a lot. And I loved it!
But all of that doing for Jesus meant a lot less time of just being with Jesus.
Unbeknownst to me, I had started working for God instead of working with God. The added responsibilities, the added committees, and all of the running at breakneck speed was starting to take its toll.
I had a beautiful wife and three young children who were starting to see less and less of me. And then, even when I was physically present, my thoughts were elsewhere.
But God, in his great mercy sent a gentle rebuke in the form of an executive that was above me. He lovingly pulled me into his office one day and sat me down. He was one of those guys that talked slowly and methodically, measuring every word. I must admit I was somewhat agitated because I had so many things to get done and I didn’t have time to just sit and chat. But he asked me, “Nathan, don’t you have a wife at home?”
He knew the answer to this question because he knew our family well. I said, “Of course you know that!”
He said, “Nathan don’t you have three beautiful children at home?”
To which I responded, “yes, you know that.”
He then asked, “Why when I come in to work in the morning I see your car already here and why whenever I leave to go home at night do I see your car still here?”
I said, “With all due respect, you know we’re an incredibly busy season.”
He then gently asked me, “How much time do you want to give to this organization?”
I remember blurting out “All of it! Can’t you see the way God is a blessing? Can’t you see all the good that’s being done? Can’t you see how much more needs to be done?”
With a touch of a wise father, he produced a schedule of working hours that he had already made.
He said, “Nathan if you are working here until late at night, I don’t want to see you until noon the next day. And if you’re working here early in the mornings, I want you to knock off in the early afternoon.”
I stared at him in disbelief, ready to protest. Then my shoulders slumped and my eyes began to fill with tears. Here was a veteran of the organization permitting me to live a life with better rhythms. A life filled with intentional times of work and rest, retreat and withdrawal so that I could simply be with my Heavenly Father and grow with my family. This was a permission that would radically change my life.
If you need it, I want to give you that same permission today.
But, not just from me.
I’ve been talking to your Father and He’s inviting you into a refreshing retreat.
Everyday.