We had just come back from a summer away, and within days I was already feeling an emotional version of “touched out” that was so common when my kids were babies and toddlers and often needed to be touching me for what felt like 24/7. I was still trying to get over jet lag and adjusting to the crazy heat without AC and the water was broken in our house and so many people needed things. Phone calls asking for money felt endless and when a child on the street tried to snatch my tea out of my hands, I lost it. 

How did I go from feeling so refreshed and encouraged after an incredible summer of church visits, family time, and being spoiled by generous friends to stressed and overwhelmed in just a few days!?  

In John's gospel, Jesus fed the 5,000 and when He crossed to the other side of the lake, the people followed Him. He had proven to them that He was able to meet their physical needs, and they wanted more. He offered Himself to them, not only to nourish their bodies, but their souls as well. 

“I am the bread of life,” He said, “whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). He explained a bit more later that “the Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63). 

The people didn't understand, they wanted more bread. 

It's not to negate the real need of physical hunger - Jesus did feed the people bread and fish, remember. Sometimes our bodies need to be fed, to be refreshed. Anyone who has spent any time around a hangry two-year-old knows very well how many problems a snack can solve. 

But Jesus offers so much more, and this is what I crave facing the constant pulling and tugging and needing as I move through re-entry. To be truly refreshed, I need to make sure I'm tapping into Jesus.