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I recently had the priviledge of attending a retreat for single missionaries. (No it isn’t what you are thinking- this was no match making time.) This was a chance to step back from life. It was a chance to stop. It was a chance to breathe. It was a chance to again hear from god. I was honored to be in the prensence of such amazing people. I was blessed to hear countless stories of what god is doing around the world- it truly is amazing what He can do when His people say YES to His call. but it became apparent that we had gathered in this old English manor out in the country, not because we had amazing stories to tell, but because we were tired. I am not talking about tired because I stayed up too late and had to get up early the next morning, no I am talking about a tired that runs deep in a person’s soul. A tired that nears wanting to give up. A tired that questions the call. A tired that keeps carrying unneeded baggage from the past. A tired that weaps at the very sound of the word “rest”.

This got me to thinking. What have we turned into? Are we machines or are we human beings made, created, in the image of god? If the answer to this question is human begings created in god’s image... then why do we insist on working ourselves to death? Maybe it is not a physical death, but have you stopped recently... I mean really stopped... and assesed how you are doing in your spirit and in your soul?

I was given a guided opporunity to just stop, step back from everything and draw near to Jesus. And now as Christmas is here, and I find myself on outreach in Thailand, I am tempted to work and again become machine like. The Christmas story reminds me to again just stop. Stop and hear the angels singing of good news on earth. Step back and see the Christ child lying in a manger. To stop and bow a little lower at the manger... stay on my knees a little longer as I give back the gifts He has given me. And I am reminded to just rest and let Him be the prince of peace in my life.

What are your thoughts on stopping... resting... stepping back?

Do you deal with guilt?

How do you overcome this?

How can we be people of His peace this Christmas and all through the new year?

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