The Importance of Holiday | Part 2

As I write this I’m flying at 30,000 ft. headed back to the snowy NorthWest after a great holiday on the west coast of Mexico.  My family and I were incredibly blessed to get to spend two weeks at my Father’s timeshare.  It was an incredible opportunity to unwind from the day-to-day grind of ministry work.  As we head back, while not excited to battle the heavy snow, I am reenergized with a new since of urgency for the ministry and calling that God placed on my life.

Holiday is important because it provides and opportunity for us to disconnect and reenergize.  Whether we want to believe it or not none of us are the energizer bunny…we can’t just keep going and going. Holiday needs to be a scheduled part of our ministry rhythm if we are to stay effective.

Mark 6:31-32 says, “Because so many people were coming and going that they didn’t even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, ‘Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (NIV).  Jesus stops them.  He says, “rest”.  The work of ministry is exhilarating, especially when we are watching God perform miracles right before our eyes.  But Jesus knows that even when things are going well, we need rest…because He created us that way.

So let’s get real honest. How many of us in ministry actually Sabbath. You know, completely disconnect for 24 hours once a week. Think about your past 3 months of ministry…be honest.

Here is what I have learned from my time in ministry.  When I schedule intentional times to holiday in both my schedule and my budget I am more present and effective as a Pastor.  Ministry is all about relationships. So for me, so that I can have the energy to be fully present with others I have to make sure that holiday is a priority in my life.

I would love to tell you that I am awesome at this.  The truth is I am not.  But I’m getting better.

What’s your story?

KB