Come Away and Rest: A Summer Reflection

Sunset cruise on the Beaverdam Reservoir

Dear Parents,

There’s an old joke that there are three reasons people go into education: June, July, and August.

And while anyone working in a school knows summers are not quite as leisurely as the joke suggests, there is still something deeply restorative about this season. Summer affords opportunities to slow down, take a break, and get some rest.

Before I transitioned into full-time work at Ambleside, I served as my church’s Director of Children’s Ministry. And if you’ve ever served in children’s ministry, you probably know that summer is an extremely busy time. One summer, after a VBS, Kids Camp, and weekly Children’s Church, I was ready for a break. A major break.

A friend from church invited Luke and me to come down to her vacation home in the Northern Neck for some much-needed rest. As the summer work at church was wrapping up and the trip was nearing, she called and canceled. Her son and his family had decided to come up from Florida, and she was going to need all of the bedrooms to accommodate them.

I was crushed. I really needed that trip to relax—or so I thought.

After hearing the news, I made an unplanned turn down the gravel road next to Mt. Hope Church and down to the lower parking lot where kayakers, fishermen, paddleboarders, and hikers park to access the beautiful Beaverdam Reservoir.

Luke and I made our way to the floating dock. It’s no longer there, but I believe it was installed by the local high school rowing club to make it easier to load their boats for practice. But on that day, it served as a reminder to me of where our true rest comes from.

I was convinced that I needed a vacation. That I needed to get away. But as I sat on the end of the dock, with my feet in the water, Luke doing likewise, the sun warming my skin, and the blue sky overhead, I was reminded that my rest—my real rest—is found in the Lord. I don’t need to go anywhere but to Him.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Now hear me here: I am not bashing vacations! I love them. Especially ones involving large mice and princesses. But I am saying that if you feel like you need a break—a big break—you can find that rest in Him, and it doesn’t cost a penny or require any gas.

Since that day, the reservoir, just a few minutes from my house, has held a special place in my heart. And over the years, it has undergone some wonderful upgrades. Loudoun Water partnered with NOVA Parks to create Reservoir Park, turning the area into a beautiful public recreation space. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards, hike the many trails, and fish.

I do plan to get up to Michigan this summer, where much of my husband’s extended family lives, but most weeks you’ll probably find me hiking the trails and paddling the waters of Beaverdam.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

Wishing you a most excellent summer vacation,

Krise