Come apart before you fall apart. Jesus didn’t actually say it that way but the message is the same. The crowds were pressing in on Jesus and his disciples. The stress was building up, weariness was setting in, emotionally, physically and spiritually it was time for a break. Pay attention to what is said in Mark 6:31, “And he (Jesus) said unto them (his disciples), come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while, for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
Pressure was building for Jesus and the disciples. Jesus recognized that they needed a break. They needed some leisure time. They needed to eat properly and most of all they needed rest and reprieve from the crowds and the daily routine.
Come apart before you fall apart is good advice for all. Breaking with the routine, with pressure, physical, emotional and spiritual stress, is essential to our well-being. Whether you choose the desert, the mountains, beach or an ocean cruise, getting away will do you good.
God himself, rested on the seventh day of his creation work. Jesus frequently made it a point to find a quiet place, a haven of rest where he could spend time with the Heavenly Father in prayer, rest and gather his thoughts. Whether you are still actively at work, retired or semi-retired, breaking with the everyday routine of life, changing the scenery and relaxing your mind and body is a very wise thing to do. If getting away from the crowds and even his disciples was important to Jesus, it should be important to us.
Thank you for allowing Gloria and me to “come apart” for a little while. Our time at the beach has been refreshing, restful and spiritually renewing. We encourage you to find the time – no – make the time – to get away from your routine, see new things, visit new or even familiar places, visit with old friends, rest and renew your spirit. “Come apart before you fall apart”.
In His Love,
Charles
