Do you ever feel like the best way to rest would be to get away from it all?
Jesus felt that way.
And what is “it all” anyway?
In the case of Jesus (see below for source*), it was:
~death threats after healing someone on the Sabbath day
~constant questioning of his identity by the religious experts
~taking the time to provide a grounded explanation of his relationship to God, all the while knowing his enemies wouldn’t get it—didn’t want to get it
~receiving news that his cousin (and forerunner to Jesus’ ministry), John the Baptist, had been brutally executed
~being followed by a large crowd when he just wanted to get away and rest with his disciples
Yes, Jesus intentionally chose retreat and rest. He saw the crown following him, but headed toward the mountain to sit down with his disciples and rest.
The only problem is, there was no escaping that crowd.
Does that happen to you? You desperately need a break, even a tiny one, but there is no escaping the crowd—littles who need your attention right now, work deadlines, and the unexpected interruptions— illness, plumbing leaks, storms, car problems, visitors...
What do you do when getting away to rest isn’t an option?
Here’s what Jesus did:
Jesus lifted his eyes.
And he saw the crowd. But apparently, he saw more than a mass of people. He saw persons.
I imagine this lifting of the eyes to be a pause where you can really see what matters, an opportunity to reconnect with your priorities and heart held beliefs.
Like those beautiful moments when you realize that the irritable person at the checkout line is another human being like you. Or you stop and look your loved one in the eyes and remember, and really see them.
Jesus lifted his eyes, saw the crowd, and was filled with compassion.
Maybe we cannot rest, but we can lift our eyes and really notice our surroundings and the people in (and out) of our circle in ways that renew our energy and give us love to do the right thing.
Lifting your eyes to notice can pull you out of yourself in the right ways and into yourself in theright ways. It can make you aware of context and ground you with a reminder of what is important to you..
And if we forget? Or, it’s just too overwhelming and hard?
We are part of the crowd and Jesus sees us. He knows you, he knows me. He has compassion on us.
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2)