A Better Pace

Bible Reading: Mark 6:30-32

Jackie sighed and dropped his backpack in the kitchen when he got home from school.

“Hurry up and eat,” Mom said as she handed him milk and cookies. “Piano starts in fifteen minutes.”

Jackie groaned. “Do I have to, Mom? My basketball coach wants us to practice shooting baskets this afternoon, and I’d like to kick back and watch some TV first.”

Mom shook her head. “I’ve already paid for your piano lessons. I’ll drop you off at the gym after that.”

Jackie grumbled as he grabbed his sheet music and basketball and followed Mom out the door.

At dinner, Jackie rubbed his eyes and picked at his food.

“You look tired,” said Dad. “What’s your schedule like this week?”

“Tomorrow is library day, Wednesday is choir, Thursday I have karate, and Friday I have a basketball game.”

“I think you need to slow down,” Dad said.

“Dad’s right,” said Mom. “Too many activities can stress us out. We need to follow Jesus’ example.”

“Did Jesus get stressed out?” Jackie asked.

“He got tired and needed to rest,” said Dad. “He took breaks from teaching people so He could rest and be with His Father.”

Jackie took a sip of water. “He had a lot to get done in His years on earth. Why did He rest?”

“Jesus made the most of His time—and that included rest,” Dad replied. “Resting renews our strength and helps us put our focus on God instead of ourselves. After all, Jesus has already done the work of saving us. Instead of getting caught up in lots of activities that stress us out, we need to rest and remember what He’s done for us.”

Mom looked at Jackie. “Let’s agree on two afternoon activities a week and see if that helps you feel better.”

“Okay!” said Jackie. “That means more time for TV and video games.”

“You can have some time for that,” said Dad. “But don’t forget to spend time with Jesus too.” Linda Ray Center

How About You?

Are you tired most days? Is too much activity stressing you out? It may be time to cut out some of your activities so you can rest—both physically and spiritually. Set aside time to do things that are fun and restful, and spend time with Jesus too. Because of His sacrifice, the work of your salvation is complete. So sit back, relax, and remember how much He loves you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Mark 6:31 [Jesus] said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Rest and spend time with Jesus