Respite is a break, a short break, from hard work. When we are caring for someone, and we need a break, and someone else provides care for a bit, that’s a respite.

The work still needs to be done. But the people involved need a break.

Sabbath is a kind of respite. A nap is a kind of respite. A meal with a friend, a phone call with a  loved one, a short break from screens to look at flowers are all kinds of respite.

Jesus understood the need. As Mark writes, “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.’”

Some of us know the story. When they finished their boat ride, there was a crowd. And then the crowd needed food. And then there was a massive windstorm.

But the word was this: come away WiTH me to a quiet place and get some rest.

The boatride was with Jesus.

The crowd gathered and Jesus taught, with the disciples able to simply listen.

The crowd AND the disciples needed food, and Jesus provided more than enough. The windstorm didn’t swamp the boat and Jesus came to the disciples on the water.

It was a day of respite compared to the traveling they had been doing.

I’m pretty sure we need respite.

I give you permission.