Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened. Matthew 13:33

            St. Simon’s is a beautiful island. Chris and I were given the opportunity to stay at some friends’ house on the island and discover one of the treasures of Georgia. We enjoyed the quiet of the beach, the history of Christ Church and the forays we took into antique shops and seafood restaurants.  But what we enjoyed the most was relaxing.

            Relaxation is like yeast. Too much of it and the loaf of life is inflated with air – there’s not much substance in each bite.  If you don’t have enough of it, life gets flat and heavy. But with the right amount of relaxation, the rest of life has just the right mixture of substance and space… just like yeast.

            Few of us would argue whether Jesus had a life of significance and power in his ministry. We imagine him touching the leper and healing him; or allowing the woman who touched the hem of his robe to walk away in the grace of healing. We think of Jesus teaching the disciples or the crowds or in controversy with the religious leaders. But few of us would recall the numerous times when he told his disciples that it was time for a rest. Jesus had the wisdom to balance his purpose driven life with a purposive time away. Over and over again, I am impressed by the Savior’s intentional stepping away for rest – so that he could re-engage with energy and focus.

            If you haven’t had a “St. Simon’s” moment lately, let me encourage you to have one. If you haven’t had the time away to invest in your own health as well as the relationships that matter the most to you, please do so. But recognize that, like yeast, rest serves a greater purpose: health and significance in life – and that’s why it is so important we take the time to relax, breath deeply and live without an agenda.

Lord Jesus, remind me to take time to relax. Renew my spirit and help me slow down. There is much to do and many places to go… but give me a “St. Simon’s” moment to discover the treasure of your wisdom. Amen