On Wednesday of last week I met with my colleague Steve Olson, pastor at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel and our church's youth director, Nate Bendorf, to talk about an agreement for Nate's contextual learning. Along with many other things, we talked about the need to take time off from work every week. Steve (Olson) is an advocate for a regular day off every week. I make sure I take time, but not always a whole 24 hour period in a row.
Toni and I took time for ourselves and family over the past three days, with a break in the middle for prep Saturday & worship leadership Sunday. I can feel how much more refreshed and clear-headed I feel.
One of my favorite books on "time off" is Keeping the Sabbath Wholly with the subtitle Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting. Taking time off is a must, not an option, if we are to be dependent on God's grace rather than our own work.
I'm one person who has to be reminded of that over and over again. I am so thankful for a loving wife & family, and for friends, who help me rest! And speaking of rest... time for bed soon!
There is an author named Joel Rosenberg who writes "The Guardians of the Flame" series. It's a fantasy series about dragons and elves and such. Our hero a is a warrior named Karl Cullinane. When he would return from a mission, his wife would keep all of the other villagers away from him for a full 24 hours. She found out that if he didn't get his day of rest he was always weary and ineffective. It became known as Karl's day off. When Dell read this book she developed a practice that one of my days off was "dads day off".
ReplyDeleteGod took a day off too. I figure if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for us. Funny how His example works into every corner of out lives.
Take your day Steve. Whether you have a set day, or can work one in when you need one doesn't matter. It will make you a better person and a better leader.
Tim Robbins