I had been sitting in my study prayerfully contemplating what I might write about. This had been a matter of prayer for days, and it seemed as though nothing fell into place in my thinking. There was much to be done and the squeeze seemed to almost be annoying. Pushing back from the computer, I let my gaze wander outside, and in just seconds the Holy Spirit had given me the tip I needed.
The temperature was 109 degrees, and the humidity at 67 percent. Perhaps we might describe this as a little unusual out here in the desert. Normally, when it is this hot, our humidity will drop to 10 to 15 percent, but not today.
Our landscaping is desert in style except for our Bermuda Moon Gate that you pass through as you enter our home. One other item is significant; it is a mulberry tree. This tree makes for some shade in the afternoon and blocks the sun from hitting the study and spare room windows. Today it had taken on another unlikely task. A man was standing next to his bicycle and resting. Just as quickly as I thought to get him something to drink and invite him in, he was on his bicycle and riding off to his destination.
I am normally “a got to get it done individual”. Numerous people have asked this summer, “Ted, when are you and Pat going to take a vacation?” My reply is basically the same: “When I do not have to come back to this heat.” I do not appreciate leaving here and enjoying some cool weather, only to come back to the heat. I do not mind sticking with it all summer, for usually it is helpful to Patsy’s asthmatic condition.
That fellow with the bicycle was telling me something as he stopped for a short rest under our mulberry tree; even though it was still 109 degrees and humid. We all have to slow down on occasion, wipe off the perspiration, deal with the annoyances, catch our breath and then get back to tackling the job – whether the conditions are ideal or not.
Percy Crawford used to say: “I would rather burn out than rust out.” He did that, putting every ounce of effort into serving Christ. Vance Havner used to remind us that: “If you don’t come apart, you will come apart.” He used word play on the portion of Scripture that we find in Mark 6:31, “And He said unto them, Come aside 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.”
Periodically we need to build into our busy work schedules times to “rest”. That does not mean to so occupy ourselves on the weekends that the rest period is at our boss’s expense, because we are unable to get his work done when we return on Monday. Even the Almighty Himself celebrated a Sabbath of rest after completion of creation, and decreed that man should do much the same.
Remember to include in our thinking the words of Jesus: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NASB)
Had that cyclist stayed a few moments more, he would have had that cool drink and a cool refreshing place to rest a while. Take time out to rest before God and enjoy the pleasure of His presence, the power of His supply, and the preparation for what lies before you.
ETCetera 