Yes, you read the title right, and some of you might be curious as to what I meant. Sorry if it isn’t really clear. My point was that my EC and I ran away for a few days this past week to spend some quality alone time together. Just us, no kids, no work, no church stuff, etc. It was great! We take little couple trips like this every now and again. I’ll explain why later.
What? That isn’t the part you were curious about? Oh! The part how I am trying to be like Jesus? That part? Well, I must give credit where credit is due. The getaway vacation isn’t really my idea – Jesus came up with it long before I did. Seriously, I don’t know why this section of scripture isn’t talked about all the time. I searched the entire LDS.org and only found one reference to Jesus’ vacation example. (Neal A. Maxwell’s AMAZING talk: Wisdom and Order)
Let me set it up for you… In Mark, chapter 6, we read about how Jesus called the twelve Apostles, and sent them forth two-by-two to teach the gospel. They got right after it and taught repentance, cast out devils, and healed the sick – just like the Savior had instructed them. (Mark 6:7, 12-13)
Later, the Apostles and the Savior reunited, and the Apostles told Jesus about all the great things they had been able to do. (Mark 6:30) That’s when Jesus had an idea:
“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert (private) place, and rest for a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” (Mark 6:31)
Private, rest, leisure? Those are vacation words. (Have you ever been so busy that you didn’t have time to eat? Yep, me too.)
So they boarded a boat to go get some peace and quiet, but the people figured out where they were headed, and beat them there. And there were a lot of them. Thousands. But Christ, true to His nature, felt compassion on the crowds and began to teach them.
The Apostles saw their vacation going down the drain, and approached the Savior and said “This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed. Send them away…for they have nothing to eat.” (Mark 6:35-36)
But Christ was merciful and performed a mighty miracle: He fed the five thousand men, not to mention the women and children.
Back to the vacation: He then told the Apostles to get back in the boat and cross over to a different place, while He took care of sending the people back to their homes.
Christ then went up the mountain for some of His own private time, but from the mountain He could see that the Apostles were in trouble – they were struggling, the wind was blowing in the wrong direction, and by now it was after 3:00 in the morning. (I’ve had vacations like that.) Finally, Jesus walked out on the water to help them. The winds ceased when he entered the boat.
When they got to the shore, the crowds returned, and it was back to business. Neither the Savior nor His Apostles got their much needed break. Thankfully, someone thought to record these miraculous thing. We often hear about the feeding of the 5,00, and Christ’s walking on the water – but we never hear it in the context of what they were trying to do at the time.
Christ knew His ministry would be short, but He also knew his brand new Apostles. After all the things they had quickly experienced, I imagine that having a little time to rest, process, and be taught would have been of tremendous value.
It also reminds me of a story that was told about Joseph Smith and the importance of taking a break now and then:
“Why not?”
So both the Savior and Joseph Smith understood the importance of taking a break. Not only is it OK, it is good for the mind and the soul. And tomorrow, I will write about how it is good for the marriage.
Start planning! What would Jesus do?
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When our three children were young we always took couple breaks two or three times a year. When they asked why they couldn’t go, too, we replied: “Before there was you, there was us. After you’re gone, we’ll be alone again, and we want to be sure that we remember what it’s like to be us.” We’ve been married 43 years.
What a GREAT post! I had never thought of things that way (with the Savior). No, I take it back. I have, but very briefly a long time ago. Its true, we all need a break.
In my 28 years of marriage, my sweetie and I have only had two vacations of a couple of days alone together. Guess we need to plan better.
Sandy
I’m guessing that the work and sweat of raising 12 kids has brought you together in ways that a couple vacation days never would. The Lord certainly blesses those who don’t have the opportunity to “get away” because they are doing His work. We don’t “get away” either, but we don’t watch TV and spend our evenings after the kids are asleep together. I couldn’t be happier to share the hard work of raising a family with him. A vacation would be nice- but is not always possible- maybe that’s a better take home lesson from the account of Christ’s life- He postponed His vacation days to serve.
How in the world did you spot the hat? Now I’m wondering what else I’m missing.
Soon his photo will resemble one of those search & find photos. : }
nice hat
Awesome, isn’t it?! It’s my Moroni hat. Trying to start a new trend.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=720df48fa2d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD
On another level- I have allways read those stories about the Apostles and Christ about the Temple. But you are also right on with what you are saying too- I just have allways read it as Temple Work. But Yes, Joseph LOVED to play. He pushed four teenage boys in a ditch once, just becuase he could. Of course they all laughed and he helped them out. He also broke a man’s leg, swinging him around in the air. The man recieved a profound blessing out of the deal and was completely healed in two weeks. But he was a champion stick puller- (in at least three counties) and was thrown outof the manchion house by Emma for stick pulling in the parlor during what started out as a priesthood meeting. Great, fun stories, from a great example of how to have a sense of humor and be truly joyful.
GA’s technically get July off.
MMM, I have a feeling your post tomorrow will align with my own philosophy on marital vacations. We believe in them, too!
I am glad you and your EC got a vacation! I can never recommend enough going on dates with your spouse! Couples seriously need that alone time to stay in touch with each other and to relax from the pressures of every day life. Vacations are even better!
LOVE it!! I have often pondered on how the Savior was constantly busy and probably didn’t have much time for rest. As I look at the General Authorities in the church (I’m friends with one), I know how busy and rigorous their schedules are. They seldom get a vacation or rest and even when they are on vacation, there are still people who recognize them or an impromptu talk to give. They truly give all for the Gospel. I, however, like my vacations and always seem to need a break. ;o)
Amen MMM, and did you even think of your stove once? Love the breaks…isn’t that what Sundays are for?
I did think about my stove. Does that mean I need to try again?