“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:30-34) We see in verse 30 the return of the disciples after they had been sent out on their mission trip.  Interestingly, this is the only place where Mark refers to the Twelve as “apostles.”  This makes sense in that “the sent ones” have returned.  What I find particularly interesting in this passage is what we might call the “key” to any successful ministry, be it ordained or lay.  The apostles are all standing around Jesus excitedly telling him everything that they had been doing.  And I find our Lord’s response surprising.  He doesn’t give them a bunch of “atta boys” or “way to goes”.  And he most certainly does not say, “try again harder, next time.”  No, he invites them to rest with him.  You see, the key to any success in ministry does not depend upon our efforts or our sincerity.  It is not really about our training or faithfulness.  No, rather we will thrive in ministry to the degree that we are willing to go and perhaps even more importantly, willing to return.  For in returning, we may realize again that we ever and only share in his work; that no matter how long we have been working, we never cease to be fully dependent on Jesus.  He really is the good shepherd and he looks on you and me with great compassion.  To what place of rest is he calling you this week?  He really does want to spend time with you.