That is not what I want to "blog" about. I want to talk about the spiritual aspect of taking time off, an extension of the concept God commands us when He says to "remember the Sabbath..." Now, there are several views and interpretations not only on what the Sabbath is but also on how we "remember" it (and keep it holy, etc.). I don't want to get into all of them here. I want to talk about the benefits of observing the Sabbath, and by extension, the benefits of taking extended breaks throughout the year.
I have always struggled with the Sabbath. I think I have just enough Type A personality or workaholic in me. Over the years, I have "cheated" the Sabbath. I have done things that I would definitely define as work. When I got into ministry, I was so driven that I didn't really take a day off for my first 6 months. Now, I could argue that, but I finally admitted it when I hit BURNOUT in a big way. I could tell you all about the Sabbath but never grasped the benefits and spiritual aspects.
The first think I learned is that the Sabbath is a gift. REST is a gift! It is OK to rest! Talk about a struggle for me! I would feel so guilty. I couldn't take my mind off the things that needed to be done. My only recourse from burnout was getting my mind off work, and I had to find creative ways to do it. But getting over the guilt was significant. That leads to the next point...
Trust. The Sabbath is all about TRUST! This especially holds true for people whose income is directly tied to performance. I was in sales for nearly 10 years. You don't earn commissions when you are taking a day off. Truiett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-a TRUSTS God that He will provide all his company needs by honoring the Sabbath and keeping his stores closed one day a week. I had to learn to trust God with all the things that needed to be done. A Sabbath isn't a Sabbath if you spend the whole time thinking about what you aren't getting done!
Finally, I learned a life rhythm. Now, I haven't perfected it at all yet. But I need one day a week for rest and refreshment. About every two months, I need 1-2 weeks away from the pulpit. About every 3-4 months, I need a few days off. Twice a year, I need to get away with just my wife and I. About twice a year, my family needs a vacation! Some of these things coincide, but you get the idea. For me to perform best in my work, I need scheduled time away from it. That isn't being lazy (once hard for me to admit!)...it is something God programmed in us!
So, I am really looking forward to being OFF, and off in every aspect. Anything I read (if I even get a chance while riding rides and eating and swimming), will be leisure reading. My goal is to totally leave my work behind. Sure, an email or text or call might be sent, but it won't be initiated by me!
So, as you hit the roads this summer, know that it is part of how God designed us, and enjoy time away from the grind. It is a spiritual exercise!
