The Holiday of the Mind

And [Jesus] said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. — Mark 6:31

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When was the last time you walked outside as the sun was setting and just meditated on the things of God? When was the last time you took time to rest and watch the world go by? A cow will eat early in the morning when it is still cool. As it gets hot, she will go and sit under a tree and regurgitate the grass she ate, chewing it for the second time in a safe location—that’s what makes milk.

When was the last time you “chewed the cud” and just marveled at God’s creation? When you take time out to meditate, you will find that God speaks to your soul. God wants to show you what He has created. It is more profitable spending time waiting on God than running around aimlessly.

Quiet meditation is becoming a lost art. It is spending time sitting, waiting, listening, looking, observing, and resting. It is the holiday of the mind.

Jesus told the disciples to “come aside and rest a while.” This holiday season, take some time off from the busyness to spend some time resting and recuperating. Fishermen know that you cannot be successful if you haven’t repaired your equipment or mended your broken nets. You might catch some fish, but they will just swim through the holes. Spend time mending your nets, and when you go out again, you will bring in a mighty catch for Jesus.

PRAYER:

God, show me how to rest fully, even in the busiest of times. Amen.

Excerpted with permission from A Mighty Faith by Angus Buchan, copyright Angus Buchan.

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Your Turn

Do you have a regular time when you practice quiet meditation? How can you incorporate time for “mending your nets” into this holiday season? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!