When God Gives Us the Gift of Rest

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2-3

Our day started slow and easy as we woke around 9:00 a.m. It was one of those mornings where there was no rush—just the comforting sounds of life already happening in the house. I could hear Linda and Jon moving around in the kitchen. Jon had just gotten home around 1:00 a.m. after a trip to Arizona, so this was our first opportunity to finally meet him.

After getting dressed, we wandered down the hallway in search of what has become one of my favorite parts of every morning—a hot cup of coffee. Linda, as always, was the picture of hospitality. She showed me where everything was, pulled out a frying pan, and before long I was making eggs and toast while everyone gathered around the kitchen. There is something special about sharing a meal with fellow believers. Before long we were swapping stories about family, ministry, motorcycles, and the many ways God has worked in our lives.

One of the fun discoveries was realizing we shared mutual friends. Dick and Grace—or “Doc,” as we affectionately call him in our New York CMA family—had met Jon and Linda years ago while they were living in Alaska. It’s amazing how God knits His people together. No matter where this journey takes us, we continue to find brothers and sisters in Christ connected by threads only He could weave. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Around 11:00 we piled into the car since the rain was still falling. Our first stop was the house Jon and Linda will soon be moving back into. It was exciting to see the next chapter God is preparing for them.

From there we took a picture of the church where Jon, Linda, Doc, and Grace first met so we could send it back to our New York friends. We also drove past the home where they once lived, snapping another photo so they could reminisce about the memories made there. What a blessing technology can be, allowing hearts separated by thousands of miles to reconnect through a simple picture.

Our sightseeing adventure continued along Eagle River Road toward Eagle Bay. Even though the low clouds hid much of the surrounding mountains, their beauty still peeked through the mist. Sometimes life feels a lot like those mountains. We can’t always see the full picture because the clouds are in the way, but that doesn’t mean God’s handiwork has disappeared. His promises remain just as true, even when our view is limited. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When we arrived at the Eagle River Nature Center, the parking lot was nearly full. Curious, we asked the parking attendant what was going on. She told us the annual Crow Pass Crossing race was taking place—a grueling 22.5-mile run through the nature center.

The rain had paused just long enough for us to enjoy a peaceful walk along the trails. Every few minutes we’d step aside to cheer on another runner making their way through the course. Jon and Linda even knew the father of one of the racers, Collin, who was anxiously waiting for his son to finish.

Watching those runners reminded me that our walk with Christ isn’t a sprint but an endurance race. Some days we move quickly; other days we simply keep putting one foot in front of the other. The important thing is to keep pressing on toward the finish line. “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One thing that made us laugh was seeing smoke curling from chimneys all across the neighborhood. People had their wood stoves burning…in July! Alaska certainly has a different definition of summer than we’re used to.

Before heading home, we stopped at an outdoor store where we picked up a few warm socks, and waterproof gloves. It’s amazing how quickly the weather can change here, and we’ve learned it’s always better to be prepared.

Back at the house, we warmed up bowls of homemade chili with chips for lunch before surrendering to one of the greatest blessings of a rainy afternoon—a nap. Sometimes resting feels unproductive, but God Himself designed us to need it. He never intended for us to live at full speed every day.

When we woke, everything had changed. The rain was gone, the skies had cleared, and brilliant sunshine filled the yard. For the first time we could clearly see Bear Mountain rising behind Jon and Linda’s home. It was breathtaking.

What a beautiful reminder that storms don’t last forever. Sometimes God doesn’t remove the clouds immediately, but He always knows exactly when to let the sunshine break through. His timing is perfect.

The evening was simple and sweet. Linda and Jon prepared a vegetable and cheese platter with delicious dips while we watched Secondhand Lions. I spent some time editing another YouTube video from our adventure, and of course we finished the evening with a bowl of ice cream.

As we settled in for the night, our hearts were full. Today wasn’t filled with miles on the motorcycles or dramatic adventures. Instead, it was filled with friendship, laughter, rest, and reminders of God’s faithful provision.

Tomorrow we’ll worship with Jon and Linda before climbing back onto our motorcycles and riding to Hope, Alaska. We’ll be staying with a friend of Mark’s whom we’ve never met, yet he has graciously opened his home to us.

Once again, we’re reminded that wherever God sends us, He has already gone before us, preparing both the road and the people we’ll meet along the way.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8