Getting off the Treadmill of Life

Steve, a pastor friend of mine, and I were having a discussion recently about the busyness of life and how it is so difficult to get off the "treadmill" at times. During our chat, he shared with me something that he practices. He tries to “divert daily, withdraw weekly and abandon annually.”

I said, “What does that mean?”

He went on to share that he attempts to schedule down time each day (divert daily) whether it be going to the mall for an hour during the day or working out or just closing his eyes and being quiet for five minutes. He said this helps him to remain focused and avoid fatigue during the day.

He continued that he tries to unplug for a longer period of time once per week. He said this is his Sabbath day as given to us by God in the 10 Commandments:

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work… (Exodus 20:9).

Steve then shared that he does not consider this a super spiritual day. He doesn’t spend the entire day meditating on God’s word. He sees it as a break from the normal routine of work.

This is something I began practicing a little over a year ago. Do I always get it right? No. But Sundays (which are my Sabbath) have been fun days for me and I really look forward to them. I believe this period of rest is very beneficial to me and my productivity the rest of the week.

Then on an annual basis, Steve abandons his normal life. For him this is different from a vacation. What he does is schedule a trip with two or three of his close friends who live in different parts of the country. They rotate each year to a location near one of them to make it fair. Here are Steve’s words to describe what this week looks like:

“It is a time completely devoted to spiritual renewal. The days are given to study and reading and talking with each other about what the Lord is revealing to each of us. It truly is a time of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17).

The day usually starts with each person having their own quiet time which naturally flows into discussion about various insights each of us might be receiving from the Lord. At times we help each other with preparation for business, ministry or personal direction for the next year.

We usually kick back during the evenings with little to no structure. We may go to dinner, play cards or go to a movie.”

This discussion has really challenged me to step up my game when it comes to chilling out. I am currently trying very hard to incorporate this into my schedule and so far it has helped me a great deal. And the thing that amazes me is that even when I do take a break from work, the world keeps on rotating! Imagine that!

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10a

Unplugged

Picture from http://www.firstpeople.us/

Rest. A good thing, right?

Well, to be honest, in my past, I've looked at it as a dirty word. I felt lazy or unproductive when I was resting or doing nothing. It is only recently that I have started giving myself permission to do nothing. I know that sounds strange to some, but it's the truth.

In fact, for the past year I have really been trying to make Sundays my Sabbath day. I try not to do a whole lot. And you know what? Sunday has become my favorite day of the week.

Despite my Sabbath day, I have been running pretty hard lately. So, I am going to "unplug" from a few things for a week or so. Updating this blog is one of those things.

I plan to post again sometime around the end of March if you'd like to come back then. Thank you for checking in with me.

Blessings to you!

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Celebrate

I feel like I need to go to work so that I can rest. On Saturday of this weekend, we attended graduation party #1. Shortly thereafter, we attended a wedding in which our daughter was the maid of honor.

Yesterday after church, we attended graduation party #2 which was next door. Then we attended graduation party #3. We returned from #3 and then went back to #2.

Whew. I'm tired.

It was great to see so many good friends and catch up. However, I really long for a day of doing nothing.

Maybe me looking forward to doing nothing is a good sign. I don't relax well normally. Perhaps part of God's commandment to rest on the seventh day is starting to sink in with me.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Jesus in Matthew 11:28

Be Still...

Over the past couple of weeks I have encouraged at least three people to take a retreat for the first time. Each of these people were either really stressed or they were feeling somewhat disconnected from God. I was encouraged to add this to my repertoire about a year and a half ago and it has really helped me…in so many ways, especially in my relationship with Christ.

Because I have been a little stressed lately and because I am seeking His direction in a lot of areas of my life, I thought I better take my own advice. So…yesterday, I had a retreat of my own. It amazes me how different each one is for me.

Sometimes I get some incredible revelations while other times I feel God’s presence in amazing ways.

Yesterday was not one of those revelation days. But, it was a day filled with His presence and peace. I spent some time praising Him. I did some reading. I did some praying. I spent time simply being quiet before the Lord. I spent about three and a half hours in all, maybe four.

And you know what? The second half of my day went very smoothly. Do you think there is a connection here?

It’s amazing how things work when you put Him first.

“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a

R & R

I wanted to let you know that I will not be posting anything next week as I am taking a week off for R&R...not even checking emails...totally unplugged (which is a big stretch for me!). So, please check back the week of April 6th!

Take care!

Sabbath

One of my goals in 2009 is to do a much better job of practicing a Sabbath. I have known for a long time that it is one of the 10 commandments, yet, I haven't taken it very seriously. After all, I have lots of stuff to do!

I am starting to look at it a little differently, thanks to God's whispers (and sometimes shouts) in my ear. I am beginning to see a day of rest as a gift to me from God. When I don't take advantage of that and accept that gift, I will be less effective the rest of my week. I will actually be robbing myself.

Yesterday, I had a day of rest and, while it was a bit awkward at first (I was still looking for things to do from time to time), I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do feel more refreshed and ready to take on this week. Thanks God!

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

Exodus 20:8-11

Renewal

This past weekend, my wife Connie and I spent some time together at Kelleys Island on Lake Erie. We stayed at a cozy bed and breakfast and had an absolutely awesome time. Lots of relaxation and reconnection for us. Lots of time spent in Adirondack chairs on the stone platform above, listening to the waves and watching the sun set. It truly was a time of renewal in our marriage.

This was scheduled right in the middle of perhaps my busiest time in my life (see previous posts about Truth At Work). Yet it was wonderful. I didn't even bring my laptop to check messages!

I was reminded that I need to schedule more times like this to "sharpen my saw", especially when I am busy.

Playin' Hooky

I love the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off (pictured above). This is probably because of the fact that I am not very good at relaxing and I admire people who have an attitude like Ferris. I'm not sure why I struggle to relax, but it's the truth.

I am getting better though. For the second time in a week I'm playing hooky.

Last Friday I took my son Robbie (turns 12 next week) out of school and we spent some time at Wildwood Metropark. He says we hiked. I think it was more like a walk, although I'm not sure I know the difference. In any case, we traversed the grounds for about an hour on a beautiful afternoon.

Then because we burned up so many calories and needed to put them back, we stopped at Handel’s for some incredible banana cream pie ice cream. It was a great afternoon.

This morning, Connie and I are going with Robbie and his classmates to watch the Toledo Mud Hens against the Louisville Bats. I can't wait!

Sabbath

Last night I had the privilege of dropping my brother-in-law off as his sponsor for the Walk to Emmaus (based on Luke 24:13-35). This is an incredible 72 hour experience of rest, fellowship and seeing and experiencing God's love like never before.

As I drove the one and a half hours home last night, I was aware of how tired I am. As I type this I am also reminded of this as I have just returned from my weekly men's group meeting that meets at 6 AM every Friday.

I believe God is teaching me that I don't need to get everything done. I don't need to solve all the problems of the world. He is also teaching me I need Sabbath--a time of rest and rejuvenation. After all, this Sabbath thing is not just a suggestion from God, it is a commandment.