I’ve been asked the following question more than once.
“Why rest? I have no time for it. It’s an impossible burden that only leaves me feeling guilty.”
Why rest?
Love.
It’s our most important call. It’s hard work. Sometimes it’s the hardest work of our lives, but in the end, it is usually the most rewarding—and the most fruitful.
When my son, Josh, shares a Red Diamond (reddiamonddays.com) with strangers he says, “Love matters. Love makes a difference.”[tweetthis]Love matters. Love makes a difference. -Josh Jank[/tweetthis]
His conviction was born out of a pretty memorable story.
When Josh was getting very, very sick in the spring of 2013, he was becoming emotionally unstable. Medical intervention helped us understand that toxins from his liver were causing encephalopathy, altering his mood and his ability to show restraint and self-control. In the “messy middle,” all we knew was that we were up to our necks in anguish and stress. Josh was spiraling out-of-control. It was one of those hard, hard places you wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Josh ended up with a police escort to a behavioral health center. The psychiatric care at this particular place was not impressive. It was actually heart-breaking. But, God sets us up for divine appointments. On his third and last day at this facility, Josh met me with tears. He had a story to share.
The night before, after visiting hours were over, Josh and his roommate had a heart-to-heart.
“Josh, your family really loves you. I can see it. I can tell. I met your dad yesterday and your mom the day before. You’re lucky. Do you know how lucky you are? Look around this place. There’s not a single person here who has that kind of love in their lives. When you have love, Josh, you have everything. You’re going to be OK, man.”
When you have love you have everything.
For God so loved the world…
Love.
It is likely the hardest work of our lives…both with those we call family, and those in our midst who are last, least, lost and lonely
Why rest? I think it’s a one-word summary of the Great Commission.
Love.
Rest well, my friend. Refill your empty tanks, then go. Go love big – in all the small ways that really make a difference.
First time here? Welcome! We are a group that gathers around the theme, “There has to be a better way.” We’re finding it in the 4-word mission statement, “Run hard. Rest well.”
- It’s a journey into the heart of God. It comes our way through an on-going exploration of four biblical rhythms that revive, replenish and restore: Sabbath Keeping, Sleep (and other simple stress-reducers), Stillness—personal retreat, and Solitude—personal retreat.
- It’s an expedition that challenges us at every turn. It convicts us in deep, tender places. It alters our priorities and plans. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- It’s an adventure at its best – as we learn to run the race, our race, God’s race in a power not our own.
- Where to begin…