Time off is invaluable.
Sabbath time is a weekly rhythm you shouldn’t negotiate. Here’s a great sermon that talks more about the Sabbath.
Beyond Sabbath, we need extended vacations from work. Whether you take a huge trip or just spend time at home, vacations help us do six important things to help increase our wellbeing and as a result our ministry and serving effectiveness:
RELAX
A few days with a changed agenda can relax our minds and our bodies. Even when we’re doing physical activity, we can relax. Less mental strain allows us to slow down and focus on deep things in life – to think about Jesus, our hearts, and subconsciously, better ways to accomplish our work.
RESET
A woodsman, busy cutting down trees, never took time to sharpen his ax. At the end of the day, he had cut down fewer trees than the woodsman who stopped every hour to sharpen his ax. When a person takes several days off in a row, there is a reset button. You come out on the other side sharper, fresher, and more productive.
REFLECT
Time away from work allows you to reflect. Our unconscious minds are always working to solve problems. When constant, smaller problems and obstacles fill our time, we don’t have time to reflect. Though vacation is a break from work, some element of deep-rooted problem solving and direction setting happens when we’re free to reflect. Uninterrupted reflection time also helps us live more grateful and content lives as we reflect on the past, present, and our blessings.
REPAIR
Several days off in a row provides time to repair, both physical repairs and projects that fall off the radar when life gets busy. During our recent time away, we repainted rooms in our house and spruced up tables. Relationships also need attention. Keeping open lines of communication and growing loving relationships can suffer when the schedule is so crowded. We need time and space to reconnect at home.
REMIND
You are not indispensable. Time away is a reminder the world doesn’t revolve around you. Vacations can also remind us of the beauty around us in nature, history, friendships, and hobbies. Time away from the regular routine is a reminder that God is in control.
REFUEL
Vacations refuel our lives. We often are ready to get back to work with new energy or new passion. While refueling can come in many ways, extended time away is one intentional key.
Each of these elements, stacked together, provides powerful momentum for months.
Recently, we had some downtime and did several things around the area. If you’re from St. Louis / Southern Illinois area, here’s a quick list of those places if you’re interested.
Did you know scheduling time off can bring peace of mind? Even a few days further ahead in your calendar will benefit you. Take the step and carve out your vacation time. Now is a great time!
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