The Great Escape

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The Great Escape By Linda Rodgers

There was excitement in the air! Passports were safety tucked in my purse, the suitcases were packed, and the alarm was set for 3:00AM. I was taking my kids on a week’s vacation to the sunny south. Life had certainly thrown my little family a number of curves this year, and we were looking forward to the ‘great escape’ to make some positive memories.

I wanted to run away, to leave behind some unnecessary baggage and just chill. I felt like the Psalmist, David, who said in Psalm 55:6-8 (CEV), “I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly far away and be at peace. I would go and live in some distant desert. I would quickly find shelter from howling winds and raging storms.” Do you ever feel like this? Do you feel you just want to run out your door and keep running?

There are times in our lives when we are refreshed by escaping away to a place where our heart can settle and our mind can gain perspective. You certainly don’t need to have an airplane ride, or a packed suitcase to do this. However, we all need to be refreshed from the daily grind of life. Many times I have found that a special spot to sit, pray, and listen to God’s heart has given me the escape needed to carry me through the week.

God promises to take our weariness and our burdens. The hard part is for us to give them to Him and trust that He will take care of them. “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest” (Matthew 12: 28, 29 CEV). God never fails in His promises.

As I sat on the porch enjoying the quietness and the view, I found myself thanking God for the time away to get my tank filled again for the Reality of life. It was good to rest and sit. It was good to make fresh memories with my kids. It was good to know that at the ‘end of the day’, God would be back with me in my daily grind and the busyness of a door that continually swings with schedules. I knew that God would give us hugs along the way, but I knew that during our little escape He had met with me and refreshed my spirit.

“You have rescued me! I will celebrate and shout, singing praises to you with all my heart.” Psalm 71: 23 (CEV)

Questions: How can you find a small get away this week to sit quietly, give your burdens and allow Him to refresh your soul? Share ideas for a mini – break in a busy week and encourage us with your story of finding God’s refreshing.