I stopped to catch my breath as I made my way up the hiking trail. The view was breathtakingly beautiful; one of those places on the planet that’s hard to put into words. Canyon walls towered over me as the steep trails curved around bends to reveal even more beauty. Lizards darted under rocks, speckled chipmunks jumped from ledge to ledge, and songs of birds filled the air and echoed from the mountaintops.
“Lord, thank you for Your creation”, I prayed, “It’s hard to imagine how You, Father, created such indescribable beauty. The works of Your hands are beyond comparison”. We continued hiking and exploring, and my heart was filled with adoration as I took in the stunning nature sights.
My husband and I were visiting family in the States for a short summer trip, and I wanted to take in every moment of it. This was a rare opportunity. Our family had paid for and planned a vacation that was, in truth, far beyond our price range. We were feeling pampered and spoiled, and the most ‘work’ we had to do was help pack and unpack the car as we went from one beautiful location to the next.
It all felt unreal, to be honest. We were used to our days being jam-packed with ministry needs; and now, when we didn’t have to plan Bible studies, hospital runs and church gatherings, it even felt a little wrong to relax. Yet as I looked at the beauty around me, I remembered the Old Testament’s command:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” Exodus 20:8-10
It made so much sense to me right then. The Creator of the universe needed rest, so what makes me think that I could do without it? My soul is refreshed and its deepest longings are fulfilled when I spend time with my Father in worship; marveling at the work of His hands.
What do you do to ‘refresh’ your spirit?
Spending time in nature is definitely something that refreshes my soul. There’s something sobering about standing in front of the vast ocean and at the bottom of towering mountains; it makes me realize all the more that the Creator of the universe stepped down in love to save people like me. These moments of humility are really great ‘refreshers’ in ministry!