The Urgency of Rest by Paul Cowell

“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can do is get away and rest.” -Ashleigh Brilliant.

 How do you measure the value of finding “sanctuary for the soul”?  What paradigm shift occurs when you find time to step aside to think?  I received a letter this week from a counselor that clearly revealed the power of a weekend at Whitestone Country Inn.

Christine Lawson does most of the pastoral counseling for Circle Assembly in Blaine, TN.  She and her husband are regular guests at the inn.  Listen to her comments about time here.  “I do the marriage counseling at our church. Many times I have reached the end of what I can do to help a couple stay together.  I then always tell them: ‘Before you make that appointment with an attorney you have to do one last thing.  Go to Whitestone for two days and think this through’.”

Christine continued, “I can’t tell you how many times a miracle has taken place just by coming there.  One wife said she felt no hope until their weekend at Whitestone.  In her words, ‘God did something that we could not explain in those two days’.” Christine concluded her letter by saying, “I have many stories of emotional healing and forgiveness that have taken place at Whitestone.  Keep doing what you are doing.  It’s changing people’s lives.”

With all my heart I believe in the transforming power or rest in a nurturing environment.  We often lose perspective in the midst of the fray.  Jesus acknowledges the changes that can take place when we escape the daily routine in Matthew 11:28.  “Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to Me.  Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Eugene Peterson’s THE MESSAGE)

 Is it time to recharge, rethink, and be transformed by the power of a Whitestone experience?  I have heard many stories of the effect of getting away to reconnect with your spouse, with God and with your soul.  Take time to find “a sanctuary for your soul.”  IT’S URGENT!