And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.

Mark 6:31 (ESV)

In the mountains of North Carolina, the show of colors in the fall season is spectacular. Most people take a drive on the Blueridge Parkway to see this amazing colorful change in the tree foliage. There are also some stops at overlooks for a big vista view for that “wow” experience.

For those who like to spend a little more time in the mountains, camping can be a great getaway. One of the finer things in life is sitting around a big campfire getting away from the constant pressure of daily life. It’s a way to escape the things that rob us of our time with God. We need rest and respite.

Getting time away is very important to us as it was for Jesus. Yes, Jesus needed rest and it is mentioned several times in scripture. There was the time he sat at Jacob’s well weary from travel, or when he slept on the fishing boat with the disciples. He also went to a secluded place across the Sea of Galilee for rest.

Jesus also made sure He took time off for the Sabbath. He needed rest to reenergize through prayer, quiet meditation, and conversation with God and to spend personal time with close friends. If this was important for Jesus, shouldn’t it also be important for us? Rest is beneficial for our spiritual, physical, and mental health.

As the fall weather brings in the chill in the air, think about how you can take a little break from all the things that “busy” your life. If you or a friend have a fire pit, build a little fire, sit back, fellowship with one another. Take time for meditation with our Lord. Meet Him at the fire pit.

The fire can be a metaphor for the light and guidance we receive in our relationship with Jesus. Just like the illumination from a torch shows us the way, the fire Jesus gives us reveals to us the difference between good and evil. As the fire brings warmth to us, so does Jesus when He comes into our lives. He lights a fire in us. We may have cold rooms in our heart and mind. But God’s love can give warmth enough for us and to share with other people, brothers, sisters, and strangers alike.

Lastly, the fire can be a metaphor for our spiritual purification as we are reminded by the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. It tells us how His spiritually purifying flames help us to repent for and avoid sin. Such is the way of Christ when He enters our hearts and becomes a very real presence in us.

This week, spend some serious quiet time with Jesus. Think about how and where you can meet Him and have a good conversation. He is always ready.