Mark 6:30-34

 30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done
and taught. 31Then, 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.” 32So they went away by themselves in a boat
to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran
on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed
and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like
sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Meditation
1. When the disciple came back after they finished their assignment, Jesus
took them away “to a quiet place and get some rest”. This is for them to find
spiritual resources to continue effective ministry. The Spiritual Formation
Bible has the definition for “Solitude”: the creation of an open, empty space
in our lives by purposefully abstaining from interaction with other human
beings, so that, freed from competing loyalties, we can be found by God.
2. Have I arranged “solitude” into my regular routine schedule? How can I “be
found by God” in my busy life?
3. Open my agenda to next week or next month. Try to carve out a time (half
an hour, or half a day or a whole day). Go to a park, a deserted place, or
an indoor place without being disturbed. Stay quiet and alone, and then
converse with God.

Personal Note:
When I read through the Gospel, one of the repeated activity that Jesus Christ engaged in was withdrawing to the wilderness and pray.  We as followers of Jesus Christ are to do the same thing.  This is especially important to me personally as a pastor.  It is necessary to pull back from all the demands from ministry and sit back and receive spiritual resources and rest.  After spending time alone in God's presence, my passion is renewed and strengthen to obey and do God's will.