Taking Time!

Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Luke 5:16 

Jesus has the right idea.  We need some time to just relax and do nothing. Jesus got away from the crowds of people every chance He got and I must follow suite.  

If I don't take better care of me, how can I possibly help take care of others.  My phone is off and my computer will only access my email IF I decide to allow it.  

I shall be returning from my vacation on Monday, April 23rd.

 

Time Off? WHAT?

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in

Mark 7:24 

 

 

Are you a workaholic? Do you think the job will not function unless you are there?  Have you ever neglected to take time off because you wanted to be "that person" who is always present and accounted for?

 

It's time to take a break.  Not just a break from the office, but a break where you can get away, rest, recharge, and heal.  Think you can't?  Think you don't have time?  Figure you will wait until later?  

 

Point to remember: "Later" never seems to arrive.

 

Even Jesus frequently took time off to get away and recharge and pray.  

 

Monday, I will be doing just that.  

Flock Of Seagulls!

He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.

~Psalm 23:2 

 

For all who have entered into God’s rest 

have rested from their labors, just as God 

did after creating the world.

~Hebrews 4:10

 

Labor Day is upon us, and for many it is truly a day of Labor.  For many more it is a day with a dizzying schedule of activities.  And, true, for some it is a day for various forms of over-indulgence (and debauchery?).  But for the wise, the truly wise, it is an opportunity to be Biblical and relax.  

 

I am one of those people who is guilty of scheduling more than I should and when not working, I am thinking of work or planning some meeting or class.  Rest doesn't come easy to us because we have been programmed over the years that "rest" is an EVIL word and a habit for the unambitious and lazy.  So.....according to today's verses, God's intention was to make us unambitious and lazy so WE have to show Him who is boss by driving on until we die?

 

I am learning to relax.  I am learning to WANT to rest.  I am learning that constant stress will destroy more than just your sanity and attitude, it can destroy your relationships, your health, and can even do worse.  Of late, I have felt the pull of the need to get away for a few hours and spend time with my bride doing something I always find relaxing...spending time with my gullfriends (and there are usually many).  That's right...I said I have many gullfriends!  And they seem to like it when I go feed them.  

 

 

 

They flock to me and are very gentle when they take the bread from my hands, from my shoulders and even from the top of my head (and I do wear a cap, just in case they think my bald head is a bombing target). But convincing my bride to come has been QUITE the challenge these last several years.

 

Even so, I urge each of you to make time to relax.  Relaxing doesn't always mean sitting still and doing nothing.  There are relaxing activities such as going for a stroll, riding a bicycle (for those who still have their balance), gardening, reading, going out to eat, laying back and watching the stars, looking for shells and shark's teeth on the beach, the potential of activities is endless.  Find something that you find peaceful and spend time relaxing away from the noise and stress of the work place.

 

If you haven't noticed...there's been a theme these last few days!