When I signed up for this whole World Race thing, I pictured myself working day in and day out and doing all sorts of things in order to somehow earn a right in my own mind to tell people about Jesus. But the World Race is different than that, the entire experience is about more than “ministry” as we all know it. It’s about seeing what God has for people and the things he wants to teach all of us about Himself and about the Gospel. Lately, it’s been about finding the rhythm of work and rest.
Ironically, these days my best rest looks like movement. Basically, when I am moving, it seems like I connect with God the best. When I was in Moldova, I would go on long runs, over rolling hills on two-track dirt roads, running as far as the uneven ground below me would extend. Some people like long conversations over coffee, but I prefer long conversations with God over landscapes. In those moments I could feel my pulse beating in my ears; I was certain of my existence and aware of everything around me. I was overwhelmed with the sense that I was alive and that there is a God who created everything as far as I could see, and yet He is closer than my skin.
Likewise, when I flew into Kathmandu last Thursday, I couldn’t help but think of how anyone could possibly live here and not be compelled to worship something. How could they possibly live refusing the compulsion to rest in God's presence that a place like Nepal brings? I think that’s why religions like Hinduism and Buddhism thrive in this place; I totally can see how someone would be enamored by their surroundings and want to aspire to greater things and to meditate and be still because of what’s before their eyes. How could you not worship something? How could you not want to stop and rest?
And this makes me ask, how do each of us find rest? And really, what is rest?
The Pharisees had their answer all to this question screwed up. That’s why they got on Jesus’ case so much every time he showed his power on the Sabbath. They couldn’t handle a picture of what rest really looked like and that sometimes it looked like actions that were out of line with their theological system.
I pause by running.
I am still while exploring.
I am quieted in the fellowship of good conversation.
There is rest for each of us in what others may consider unlikely places.
Because in the end, rest is about His presence and sometimes it's found in the exact opposite place we would think to look.
