Have you taken the opportunity for some down time— a little rest and relaxation— this summer? Summertime has a busyness all its own. We find ourselves busy with Vacation Bible School, servant events, youth camps, planning for the upcoming school year (which is just around the corner), and the list of activities goes on. But if we take advantage of the opportunity, summer can be one of the best times to find some rest.

Ministry has the potential to keep us incredibly busy regardless of the time of year. But in order to care for ourselves and strive to be “healthy servants,” it's important to find time for rest and relaxation. The disciples came to Jesus and shared with Him the busyness of all they had done and taught. He knew that it was very important for his disciples to take care of themselves and have a bit of down time. In Scripture we read, "Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he (Jesus) 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 6:31-32 NIV). They took time to rest.

Summer quickly slips past, and it might happen that we don’t get the needed rest we need. Let’s follow that encouragement of Jesus for ourselves too. Take some time to take a break, get some rest, relax…and notice that Jesus says, “come with me”. He is our constant companion even during times of rest. We can rest in His Word, prayer, and meditation.