Taking a week off in Aspen sounds like a dream—nestled in the mountains, surrounded by breathtaking views, and far from the chaos of daily life. But as I sit here reflecting on my time away, I have to admit, it wasn’t easy. Resting and unplugging came with its own challenges, particularly the one we all know too well: anxiety.
Anxiety is real. It doesn’t take a vacation, and it certainly didn’t for me. From the moment I arrived, there was an ever-present hum in the back of my mind reminding me of all that I left undone—projects waiting, people depending on me, the challenges that would still be there when I returned. It’s the kind of weight that isn’t easily shaken, even in the midst of beautiful surroundings.
At times, Aspen’s serenity was almost unsettling. There I was, surrounded by the splendor of creation, yet my thoughts were far from still. I thought of Jesus’ words to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). It sounds simple enough, but true rest isn’t just about physical space—it’s about laying down the mental and emotional burdens we carry, and that’s where I found myself struggling.
The irony of taking time off, only to battle with anxiety, isn’t lost on me. But I believe it’s part of the journey many of us face. We long for peace, yet when it’s offered, we struggle to embrace it fully. It’s the tension between wanting to escape the busyness and yet not knowing how to quiet the noise within.
Now, as I return to all the work waiting for me, I feel the weight of the challenges ahead. Ministry doesn’t slow down, and neither do the demands of life. But I’m reminded of the lesson God spoke into my heart during this time away: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to acknowledge the anxiety and tension. What matters is that I keep moving forward, trusting Him with what I cannot control.
So, while my week in Aspen didn’t turn out to be the restful, worry-free experience I envisioned, it was an important reminder that peace isn’t found in a location but in surrendering to the One who holds it all. The challenges I face haven’t disappeared, but I’m choosing to step back into the work with renewed trust. Rest isn’t about the absence of problems—it’s about finding our anchor in Christ, even when everything else feels uncertain.
I’m stepping back into the whirlwind, but I’m not stepping in alone. And that, for me, is enough.
Pastor Jacob Biswell
