The days of flying kites in the warm breezes of summer, taking strolls in the park, sitting quietly on a park bench in the cool of the evening, or having meals with family around the dinner table seem to have become distant memories in some families. They have been replaced by a nonstop, fast-paced, merry-go-round style of living that leaves us with hardly any time to stop and take a breath. At one time or another, we have probably wished that we could add more hours to the day, just to be able to accomplish all the things that needed to be done. We have become so busy, it would appear that only a major crisis or challenge could slow us down or stop us in our tracks.

I think of the reports of the recent volcanic eruption in southern Iceland. In its fury the volcano spewed ash and molten lava several miles into the air, creating a cloud filled with volcanic ash. The headline of an article posted on the CBS News Web site on April 16 stated, "Volcanic Eruption Grinds Modern World to a Halt." The sub-headline read: "Soldiers Can't Get Home, World Leaders Can't Make a President's Funeral, and Flowers Wilting, to Name a Few Problems." The author begins the article by saying: "A volcano sneezes, and the whole world gets a major case of paralysis."

Just imagine being one of those directly impacted by the cloud that disrupted air traffic, causing major flight cancellations and delays. Airports were shut down, leaving passengers stranded for several days. Cargo planes, temporarily grounded and unable to meet their deadlines, crippled industries such as the African exporters of fruit and flowers who rely on the speed of air travel to get their perishable products to the markets. Businesses lost millions of dollars each day. Locally, some of the runners who prepared for months to participate in the annual Boston Marathon, were stuck, unable to reach their destination because of the threat posed by the ash cloud.

I have often expressed this statement, "Things don't come to stay they come to pass." The same was true in this case. Eventually, the cloud moved away and the "all clear" was given for airlines to resume flights. And even though the cloud was not visible to most people, except through television and the Internet, the effects were felt around the world. In the end, weary travelers were overjoyed at being able to return home and business owners were grateful to be operating again.

In the not too distant future, another cloud will move through the skies, and it will also bring things to a grinding halt. It is a cloud that will signal the end of time as we know it and the beginning of a time of eternal rest from the cares of this life. Unlike the cloud formed from the volcanic eruption, every eye from all corners of the world will be able to see this cloud (Revelation 1:7). It will usher in a time when travelers will never again be stuck in airports. Homeowners will never have to fight to save their homes (John 14:1-3). No longer will there be any more illness, death, or pain (Revelation 21:4). The heartaches and cares of this world will become a thing of the past because God will make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

In the meantime, when the challenges of life seem to overwhelm us, we must remember to take some time to stop and rest awhile. We need to revisit the way we celebrate the Sabbath, a day of rest specifically designed for us, so that we can be refreshed from week to week. We need to remember Jesus' counsel in Matthew 11:28 (NKJV), "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Take time to slow down or stop from the busyness of life and fly a kite, go for a walk in the park, sit on a park bench, and eat dinner together with family. I encourage you, while you live in anticipation of Christ's return, to get off the merry-go-round, take a moment to remember the simpler times in life, and breathe.

Ednor A. P. Davison is the editor of the Atlantic Union Gleaner and assistant to the president for communication in the Atlantic Union Conference.