Get Outta Here
One of the reasons I love to read the Gospels is to see how Jesus interacted with people. He did not prefer anyone over another, talking to and serving all spheres of society, from the helpless to the leaders. A very common group we read about are His disciples since He was with them most often.
In Mark 6, He sent His apostles out to preach the message of repentance, drive out demons, and anoint the sick with oil. Many of which were healed! Later, they returned to Him with details of their experiences.
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught (6:30).
Can you picture His face, eager to hear and see their excitement?! His face probably also showed love and mercy since He could see these poor guys were worn out from their work.
“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.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:31-32
Did you see that? Jesus didn’t say, “Great work! Now go to another village.” Instead, He noticed the weariness of His disciples and encouraged them to rest. He told them to withdraw from the crowds and recharge. In the worst theological belief, I like to picture Jesus saying, “Get outta here!”
What does this have to do with marriage? Stick with me…
I was talking to my friend Ashley the other day, and she told me about her crazy schedule, work/life balance…all the normal things. Then she said, “My husband always tells me, ‘You need to go on a run’! I was super confused by that and, to be honest, a little offended.
If my husband said I needed to go on a run, I’d think he was saying that my curves were getting a bit too curvy.” She laughed and said that exercise is her favorite way to recharge. After a run, she is back in “go mode” and ready to tackle all that entails.
Her husband knows Ashley is a workhorse and often pushes herself too far. He has become a student of his wife and is attuned to her moods and actions. He pays attention and recognizes that she prioritizes other people and things over herself. Since he knows exercise/running fills her tank, he nudges her to stop the crazy and recharge. He says, “Get outta here!”
What about your spouse? What are the signs they are spent and need to take a break? Is there a hobby or activity they like but struggle to make time to enjoy it?
