Ever felt exhausted, feeling guilty that you didn’t get enough done, stressed, worried, anxious, depressed? Yeah, me too but have I got a sweet alternative for you!
A few years ago, I was depressed and exhausted. Life looked bleak and there didn’t seem to be much to look forward to. I was driven to excel at my job and everything else I was involved in, but was beginning to lose the desire and resolve to do much of anything. I didn’t get enough sleep, I drank too much coffee (if that is possible), I was scheduled to the hilt and felt guilty that I wasn’t doing enough. I didn’t want to let anyone down but I couldn’t get myself to do much. I was going through the motions.
I’m doing much better these days. I’m not as stressed and my resolve is stronger than it’s ever been. What’s my secret? My wife and I “discovered” the Sabbath. There are many reasons for my recovery but the Sabbath became one of the greatest tools for emotional, spiritual and mental health that I’ve found.
The idea of Sabbath has been around since God created the earth but many aren’t aware of it. What is it? It’s like a vacation. It isn’t the vacation we’ve all had where when we come home and we need a vacation to recover from our vacation because we’re totally worn out. Rather, it is a weekly 24-hour vacation designed by God specifically for us to stop working, to rest, and to celebrate. It’s a time to take a break from the things that drain us. We quit working and consuming and instead do things that recharge our batteries such as spend time with people we enjoy, focus on our hobbies, savor food, and maybe even take a nap. It is a day to focus on Jesus and re-center our lives around his priorities.
You might think this sounds wonderful but impossible. You might be thinking, “You’re nuts! There is way too much to do and if I take a day off I’ll never accomplish anything. In fact, the work will stack up so much I’ll be in a hole I’ll never dig out of.” I hear you. I really do, but wife and I have discovered that taking a Sabbath day each week is invigorating. We have more energy and strength for the other six days and get even more done than before. In addition to that we have a day that we look forward to every week. Our kids love it because that’s the “we get donuts” day, the “we don’t have to do chores” day and the “mom and dad play with us day”.
Consider exploring the idea of Sabbath for yourself this year. What a great resolution: A vacation day every week! You won’t regret it. You may find yourself stronger, more centered, less stressed and full of joy. It will take some intentionality and practice, so pace yourself and enjoy the journey.
A few years ago, I was depressed and exhausted. Life looked bleak and there didn’t seem to be much to look forward to. I was driven to excel at my job and everything else I was involved in, but was beginning to lose the desire and resolve to do much of anything. I didn’t get enough sleep, I drank too much coffee (if that is possible), I was scheduled to the hilt and felt guilty that I wasn’t doing enough. I didn’t want to let anyone down but I couldn’t get myself to do much. I was going through the motions.
I’m doing much better these days. I’m not as stressed and my resolve is stronger than it’s ever been. What’s my secret? My wife and I “discovered” the Sabbath. There are many reasons for my recovery but the Sabbath became one of the greatest tools for emotional, spiritual and mental health that I’ve found.
The idea of Sabbath has been around since God created the earth but many aren’t aware of it. What is it? It’s like a vacation. It isn’t the vacation we’ve all had where when we come home and we need a vacation to recover from our vacation because we’re totally worn out. Rather, it is a weekly 24-hour vacation designed by God specifically for us to stop working, to rest, and to celebrate. It’s a time to take a break from the things that drain us. We quit working and consuming and instead do things that recharge our batteries such as spend time with people we enjoy, focus on our hobbies, savor food, and maybe even take a nap. It is a day to focus on Jesus and re-center our lives around his priorities.
You might think this sounds wonderful but impossible. You might be thinking, “You’re nuts! There is way too much to do and if I take a day off I’ll never accomplish anything. In fact, the work will stack up so much I’ll be in a hole I’ll never dig out of.” I hear you. I really do, but wife and I have discovered that taking a Sabbath day each week is invigorating. We have more energy and strength for the other six days and get even more done than before. In addition to that we have a day that we look forward to every week. Our kids love it because that’s the “we get donuts” day, the “we don’t have to do chores” day and the “mom and dad play with us day”.
Consider exploring the idea of Sabbath for yourself this year. What a great resolution: A vacation day every week! You won’t regret it. You may find yourself stronger, more centered, less stressed and full of joy. It will take some intentionality and practice, so pace yourself and enjoy the journey.
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