Come Away with Me - Lectio Divina

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6: 31b

I read your invitation this week, Lord - Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

Thank you for asking me but with regrets, I am rather busy right now. 

I have things to accomplish.

People seeking my help.

And I do want some time for me, you know.

Maybe I can squeeze You in a little next week...

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

I reread your statement. I don’t see the RSVP. You mean this isn’t an optional request?

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

You gently change my heart, stop my frenzied fretfulness, and refocus my energy to You.  I let go of my all important to-do list, drop my agenda, and slowly ease into Your heart.

I see Your hand open, welcoming me into Your presence. I reach for You to join You.

I come by myself - leaving behind my close associates of busyness, worries, fears, and habits. I shed my backpack of dreams, desires, and difficulties. I take off the heavy clothing of burdens and expectations and run to You, stripped of all that comes between us.

I find quiet instead of disquiet. Wordless stillness unites our hearts.

I find refreshing rest. My thirst that I so frantically tried to satisfy in the outside world is suddenly quenched.

I find You.

An invitation? A command? Doesn’t matter. You called. You beckon me every moment. May I always hear Your summons and come running.