Come Away and Rest

I always enjoy walking the beach at the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford, Maine during our annual Clergy Convocation.  But, even more than those walks on the beach, I enjoy watching the gulls at rest on a small pool away from the roaring waves.  Behind the sandy dune that separates the ocean from that pool of tranquil water, the gulls come to congregate.  They fly in to rest for a while, before returning to feed along the beach.  They get away from the noise and the endlessly rushing waters.  They recharge before they re-engage among the waves.  It is a sheltered, sacred spot for the birds . . . and for the busy pastors of the church.

It occurs to me that we each need to find that restful rhythm--the rhythm of the seagulls--to locate a some quiet pool, away from the rushing where we can congregate, rest, and be renewed.  Of course, one cannot stay there forever; but how important it is to hear Jesus say, "Come away and rest for a while."  (Mark 6:31)

May there be rest in the midst of our busy lives. 
May there be seasons of quiet away from the noise. 
May the Spirit breathe peace upon you today.