There are quite a few lighthouses built on remote islands and cays. When I came across the above image, I was immediately transported to it in mind and spirit. This looks like the perfect place to escape from it all, don’t you think? Unless, of course, you suffer from aquaphobia (fear of any source of water), agoraphobia (fear of being in unescapable places), or monophobia (fear of being isolated/alone). I am an only child. Born and raised on the island of St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands), I was pretty much at the beach every other weekend. I was also a home-body until I left to go to college in the U.S. mainland where I lived as a bachelor on my own for about 10 years. That would explain why I have none of the above-mentioned phobias and why I would have no problem whatsoever in spending some time on this island even if by myself. Come to think of it, a mini solo spiritual retreat at this lighthouse would actually be perfect right now!

But of course, not too many of us have the luxury of traveling to a secluded island to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Nevertheless, we can all use an occasional time of personal retreat/refreshing. After connecting with family and friends (relationships), work, school, and home (earthly cares), and even with church life (ministry/fellowship) for an extended period of time, we all need a “me time.” Time to disconnect from daily activities and routines and allow our minds and even our bodies to recharge.

This may mean giving up our not-so-healthy diets in order to detox, or putting on hold specific tasks in order to catch our breath. It could also mean that although we may have a “spiritual” life, we may have to stop and truly reflect on what we think, say, and do. In other words, we may need to analyze how much our faith-based convictions have actually affected and changed our lives for God’s glory and not ours.

So, if you have been busy just connecting with everything and everyone, perhaps it’s time to disconnect. Time to rest. I mean truly rest. Remove the batteries from the “I have to do” clock and take time to truly practice the words that renew and give life to the soul!

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.”” – Matthew 11:28

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” – Psalm 23:1-2 

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” – Psalm 127:2

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 2:22-23

“Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!” – Psalm 55:6

Then, after you have disconnected for a little while, you’ll be more than ready to reconnect!

RELATED LINK
For another devotion on the benefits of taking time to relax, READ Escaping not “from” but “into.”