Most days are filled with anticipation as I meet with ministerial groups and ministry leaders from across Indiana. The opportunities are endless. Typically I will set my cruise control along with my GPS as I calculate my next destination. I have a lot of time to pray and to process during these trips. I often think about who I could connect with that I already know and who I could develop a new relationship with.
Each month is filled with meetings with pastors both one-on-one and with ministerial clusters. Even this month I have had as many of 17 minister meetings but I’ve had the opportunity to make presentations and pray with ministry leaders. Most of the time I don’t dwell on any personal matters during the writing of my blog. Yet, today I feel led to talk about the importance of rest while monitoring my speed.
There is a particular hunger that I have as I engage pastors. I hunger for hope in the midst of so much brokenness. I hunger to help pastors and ministry leaders as well as a deep desire to educate the church about the need of foster care. I hunger to recruit helpers and ministry leaders to do what the scripture tells us for the week and vulnerable, the orphan and those in need of a caring foster homes!
It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the endless need that is pervasive throughout our communities.
The statistics alone are incredible. With over 13,000 children and out of home placement and a never ending need for caring communities and loving homes. I find myself sounding like a broken record as I explain the compelling vision in need. I repeat the same stories in the same statistics looking for like-minded, caring adults to respond.
I hear foster parents often speak about it. I hear social workers who are overwhelmed to the point that they desire it. I often see it on the faces of those that work diligently because they truly care about the needs.They desire a respite, I’ll break where they can shut down the burden of their heavy hearts and to care for their own needs.
So today, I’m reminded that I need to Monitor my speed and look for those rest up so long the way. I need to find that space within my schedule, a sanctuary where I can renew myself. It’s not just a physical need but emotionally and spiritually, I need to find time to rest.
I am discovering that even taking a few minutes each day or setting aside a short term break is important. I’ve discovered that I can find a renewed spirit if I would let the Lord into my life in meaningful ways. He appears like a consuming fire!
Here’s a few ideas that I was contemplating doing myself and would encourage you as well.
1. Take an afternoon nap. (I know that needs to be explained because your supervisor would likely wonder what that screen on your door window represents.) sometimes even on our day off we occupy ourselves with so many task but relaxing and even taking a 30 minute nap can be one of the most refreshing things you can do.
2. Spend a few minutes with someone that cares about you just to debrief. Go ahead, I dare you. Identify somebody that you can trust in that you could be honest with. Take time over lunch to just decompress and allow them to pray for you.
3. Take a mini-vacation away from your schedule to do something fun and different. it doesn’t have to be a week vacation but simply taking a day away to rest is important. Set up a small campfire and just sit around relaxing and letting the Lord‘s presence fill you in more meaningful ways.
4. Do something that gets your blood pumping and your adrenaline going. It could be exercise or could be an activity that revitalizes your spirit.
5. Go for a walk or even a hike so that you can be alone to take in the beauty of God’s creation.
6. Sit down alone and simply read the Psalms, reflecting on the incredible God whom we serve.
7. Do something selfish. It seems as if we are always giving out to others but taking care of yourself is important too!
8. Schedule yourself to come to work late or schedule yourself to leave early.
9. Volunteer your time to do something totally different than what your work demands. I volunteer every year for the Salvation Army ringing the bell at Christmas. I only take two or three scheduled shifts but I find it to be some of the most relaxing and uplifting experiences.
10. Attend a small group or Bible study that helps you to grow spiritually as well as deepening relationships with those around you. Be completely honest with your small group about what you are doing that physically drained you and ask them to pray for you.
As always, consult your HR department or talk to your supervisor to make sure that what you are doing is an approved activity and appropriate time off is scheduled. You may be thinking to yourself, I deserve it but in reality good communication goes a long way.
I remember taking a half hour off early one day after a busy travel day, and not feeling physically well at the time. I shot a text to my boss to say that I was taking a few minutes off early. His response? He wrote back, "Good for you! Take off what you need!"
Psalms 23:2-3
He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.
