August 2, 2026 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

Cheryl Zamora

A moment in Mark 6:30–32 feels almost like a deep breath in the middle of a whirlwind. The disciples return from ministry overflowing with stories, exhaustion, and probably a bit of adrenaline. Jesus listens—really listens—and then says something beautifully simple: “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”

The disciples had been doing good, holy, necessary things—preaching, healing, serving. Yet Jesus doesn’t say, “Great, now do more.” He says, “Come away.” In His rhythm, rest is not optional. It is obedience. It is formation. It is how He keeps His people whole.

We often treat rest like a reward we earn or a luxury we don’t deserve. But Jesus treats rest like a command wrapped in compassion. He knows our limits better than we do. He knows that a tired soul becomes a vulnerable soul. He knows that ministry done without margin becomes ministry done without joy.

If Jesus invited His disciples to step away, He invites us too. Not because we’re failing, but because we’re human. Not because the work is unimportant, but because we are important. Let today include a moment — even a small one — where we “come away” with Him. Let Him refill what life has drained. Let Him remind us that we are loved before we are useful.