Mark 6:31 – “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
The writer Mark, while at the shores of the Sea of Galilee when it was close to the Passover of 32 C.E., wrote the words of Jesus addressed to the apostles.
The crowds were constantly coming and going, not allowing time to rest (even for a short bit), let alone time to even get a bite to eat. Even with the way the needs of the many are, taking the time to allow yourself time to recoup is necessary.
In the previous verse (Mk 6:30), the apostles were excited, wanting to inform and share with Jesus all that had happened and about everything that they were able to do and teach. At Mt 11:29, the yoke of Jesus is described. It gives us such purpose but is not overbearing. It provides refreshment as well as direction.
Even before the feeling of being overwhelmed becomes an issue, I myself should find time to make sure I can effectively be what I can for those around me, by taking the time to rest when I need to so as to have the energy to be what I need to be for those around me. By taking the time to rest, I give myself time to reflect and plan for the appropriate plan, and take action accordingly. In this way, I won’t over exert myself in maintaining the spiritual guidance in which I have received. This helps me to be of service when and where I am needed.
Life's Adventure 