Have you ever put a hotdog in the microwave for way too long?  Long before the outside burns, the inside shrivels and becomes hard.

It’s the same way when we burn out:  First we become hard, cynical or detached on our insides.  Then the burn splits us apart as it often scorches our relationships, or blisters us with sickness or exhaustion.

Burnout is one of the enemy’s favorite ploys.  He tries to convince us that we are “just in a busy season.”   One busy season goes into the next busy season as we make one excuse after the next.  It often sounds like this:

• “After I make this sale. . . ”
• “When I get this next promotion. . . ”
• “Once the kids have achieved this level. . . ”

Busy seasons.  I have to imagine that Jesus was plenty busy himself when he had so many people clamoring after him.   Jesus healed lepers, restored sight and made the lame walk!!  Jesus and his disciples must have had a hoot healing all these people!

Yet through all this busy-ness, Jesus took time to be alone in prayer – even while everyone else slept. ^{Mark 1:35}   And this is the message for the day.

I suppose if God tells us to rest on the seventh day, and Jesus repeatedly showed us how he took time to refuel in prayer, perhaps we should listen in.  Good parents know when their kids are tired and need to rest.  Maybe God is such a good father to us – his little children – that he truly knows what’s best for us.

What’s the opposite of that burnt out hot dog?  The opposite of being hard, cynical and over-cooked?   Oozing with softness and gentleness.  Being filled with the peace of God.

It all starts by being all alone with God in prayer.  Not hurried prayer, like “Oh God, I gotta go” but resting, relaxing, meditative prayer – perhaps even falling asleep with God type of prayer.

If you close your eyes and rest for just a moment, you’ll hear God calling.  Yes – he’s calling right now….  Be with me!  Rest with me!  Let me refresh you with my peace!