Downloading the Day

“Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.  Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. . . .  They went out and preached that people should repent.  They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. . . .  The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.    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.’” Mark 5:6b-7, 12-13; 6:30-31.

At 8 p.m., I review the day’s events:  I’ve prepared, served and cleaned 3 meals and 2 snacks; washed, dried, and folded 4 loads of laundry; read Go Dog, Go! 7 times; paid 6 bills; and scheduled 5 appointments—all while fielding countless questions from my endlessly inquisitive 4- and 6-year-old children.  

Such a day with my preschoolers mixes the joys of childlike giggles and Playdough-scented hugs with the physical, emotional, even spiritual challenges that accompany motherhood.  Navigating this season of life—with all its interruptions, late-night hours, and petty irritations—regularly reacquaints me with my shortcomings, especially my need for greater patience.  On days that demand more than what I possess, I grow hungry to talk about it.  And when I find someone who welcomes my conversation—usually my husband—I am blessed.  Often after hearing me out, he encourages me to take a break—go for a run, soak in a bubble-bath, head to my favorite coffee shop with a good book.  Many times I accept his invitation, not having realized I needed refreshment.

Scripture doesn’t reveal why the disciples told Jesus about their activities, but we can logically conclude that their recent days had been both challenging and invigorating:  traveling, preaching, healing, even driving out demons (5:13). Perhaps they, too, felt the need to talk about their experiences.  That they felt comfortable “gathering around Jesus” himself to “report to him all they had done and taught”—despite the fact that God’s omniscient Son already knew every detail—reveals something important about Christ.  Not only did he listen to them; but he also saw their need for rest . . . a need they themselves may not have recognized.

As you desire to talk about the challenges and joys of your day, be mindful of Christ’s willingness to hear all you want to share.  And take time to listen for his caring response.