Hi everyone,
As many of you know, I’m heading into some holidays. I’m taking a bigger chunk than I usually do, as this time around I feel like I really need it. This pandemic has done a number on me, and I can’t wait to just take a load off and get some rest.
I’ll admit though, I do feel bad for leaving. As many of you with jobs know, the work never seems to end. There is always one more thing to do that needs our attention. There is always one more task that needs to be completed. There is always one more box that needs to be checked off.
Which is true for these upcoming weeks for me. With the pandemic coming to a close, there is a lot of things that need preparing and looking at. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t planning on using some of my holiday time to get those things done.
But before you jump on my case and tell me that I shouldn’t do anything, the things that I want to do are actually relaxing for me. And since on holidays my responsibility list goes drastically lower, I have more time to complete them so that will make it really relaxing. So I’m lucky that my job is one that I enjoy doing. While not every aspect of the job gets me up in the morning, but there are a few that don’t feel like work to me, as I would do them even if I weren’t being paid to do so.
I don’t think we need to feel bad about being who we are. As important as rest and taking breaks are, so is allowing yourself to do the things you love to do.
Here are the readings for next week:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
So it appears Jesus is a proponent of rest as well, as he tells his disciples to relax after a successful mission trip. Funny though, before they even get to sit down, Jesus is called into action yet again and he keeps going like a machine.
Some people might look at this and say, “Jesus didn’t take a break, so neither shall I” and completely burn themselves out. The thing is that I think Jesus was operating out of his compassion. Jesus, the ultimate Teacher and Healer, couldn’t help but teach and heal. Jesus was energized by his helping of others.
Even still, we do read that Jesus took breaks. He found time to be alone and pray. He would retreat on a mountain somewhere to be in God’s presence in the Spirit.
So I guess this is fitting for me as I move into holiday mode! That I can let go of the guilt of not doing things and doing things, and be sure to find things to energize me and give me rest. Let’s hope the weather holds up!
See you all in a few weeks!
Photo by Mohamed Ajufaan on Unsplash