For over thirty years, my in-laws had a place in the mountains of Southwest Colorado. It was between the cities of Creede and Lake City, a remote location at over 10,000 feet above sea level. It was an old hunting lodge with nine bedrooms, a great room, and a huge kitchen and dining area. It was a wonderful place to literally “get away from it all.” When we first started going up there in the early 90s, there were gas lights with mantles that you would light in the evenings. There was a generator, but we wouldn’t use that very much. All the appliances ran on propane. We had running water thanks to a nearby stream for bathrooms and showers and cleaning. There was no television, telephone or cell service. We were literally cut off from the rest of the world when we went up there.

The name of the place was “Quiet Valley.” And it was glorious. We would visit, play games, work puzzles, make meals together, go fishing and hiking. Occasionally we would drive 45 minutes to Lake City for the kids to get ice cream and buy a t-shirt or souvenir, but we spent most of our time just enjoying the beauty and the isolation. It was good to get away from everything.

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

We need to make time to rest and relax. It is necessary for physical, mental and spiritual health. The solitude gives us time to reconnect with God undistracted. I can tell you firsthand that praying while sitting next to a babbling mountain stream is a wonderful thing.

Over time, the family added solar power and a satellite dish to the cabin. That meant people could watch TV, use their phones and computers and other electronic devices. While it was still a great place to go and be, I was kind of sad to see the isolation go away.

You have opportunities for the peace and quiet that you need in your life without going to “Quiet Valley.”  You just need to take advantage of them. Jaroslav Vajda wrote a hymn about finding some of that when you go to a worship service, where you will encounter your Savior through confession and absolution, Word and Sacraments.

Now the silence Now the peace Now the empty hands uplifted
Now the kneeling Now the plea Now the Father’s arms in welcome
Now the hearing Now the power Now the vessel brimmed for pouring
Now the body Now the blood Now the joyful celebration
Now the wedding Now the songs Now the heart forgiven leaping
Now the Spirit’s visitation Now the Son’s epiphany
Now the Father’s blessing. Now. Now. Now.
Lutheran Service Book #910

You should take seriously the invitation of Jesus: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Spend time with the one who lived a perfect life for you, offered that life to cover all your sin, and rose to give you the certainty of everlasting life with Him. You will be glad you did.