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When you have a Type A personality — always needing to be doing something — taking a break isn't easy.
I've never been one to sit and twiddle my thumbs. Sitting and doing nothing makes me feel lazy. Since I have only so much time in life, I want to make the best use of every minute. Having this tendency opens me up to the possibility of over-commitment and burnout. What others ask of me, I usually agree to do — often not pausing long enough to pray first. I love seeing how much I can accomplish in 24 hours. Not that I crave recognition or do things for recognition, but like most people, I enjoy being appreciated. Sitting for hours watching a movie or relaxing in conversation with company is difficult. My mind races, thinking about all the things that I could be doing that would seem more productive.
Jesus was a busy man. Knowledge of His ability to heal spread like a California wildfire. Crowds crowded around Him. Everyone wanted healing for themselves, a friend, or a family member. Had He taken advantage of every opportunity, He would never have gotten any rest or sleep.
Mark 1:35-38 – Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, "Everyone is looking for you." But Jesus replied, "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came." (NLT)
Breaks from the daily grind of life are essential for good health — mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. We can't do everything that everyone might ask of us. There's not enough time in the day, nor does God expect that of us. Jesus knew that He needed rejuvenation, and it came through a quiet time with the Father.
Quiet times — whether in the early morning, late morning, or evening — are crucial in our service for God. Not only did Jesus' spirit receive refreshing, but He also received instructions from the Father about His next move. Ironically, it wasn't to be where He was — even though there were many there who needed His help. Rather, the Father told Him to move to a different area.
Enjoying life and making sure that we're on God's track happen only when we've taken a break long enough to discover God's will. So, go ahead, take a break — and don't feel guilty about it.
Prayer: Father, remind us that we need breaks to refresh our spirits so that we can do our best for You. Amen.
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As one type A to another – thank you.
Very good devotional Martin. Thank you.
Great words of wisdom.
God’s best to you Martin!
Once again, “Thank you” for your message.
So often hour message is ‘timely’.
Blessings.
Martin,
Thank you for the important reminder to rest in God’s presence.
Good one Martin. Getting old helps a lot as the body simply demands more breaks whether you like it or not!
Memorably said, Martin! Thank you. This ‘break’ is also known as the ‘sacred pause.’ I was just thinking about it when I read your devotional.
Thank you for your email devotional. I am heading out on vacation this morning. This break is needed. I read His Word each morning. God is faithful.
Thanks, Martin. I, too, feel I must be busy all the time but have learned how to step back from life in the last few years. And my morning time with God is essential!
Martin, you hit the nail on the head. I was again recently reprimanded by my daughter when I stayed in bed longer than usual. I used the word lazy. No, she said, relaxing. I am trying to improve, but at my age, habits die hard.
Hello
Thanks for this devotional. I am sure there are a lot of people who needed to read this today!!! The message came at a great time I believe.
God bless.
Hi Martin, Thank you so much for today’s devotional. As a sufferer of burnout l can totally relate to the consequences of over-doing things. I wish l had taken more time to slow down, relax, and listen to what God wanted me to do. Thank you for sharing this experience of yours. Blessings
Hello Martin,
A very mindful devotional for sure. Yes, we can get overly loaded with “doing” and as you say it is important to take a break. Even Jesus realized this and took time to refocus and pray in solitude.
Hope you take that advice to heart and pace yourself too Martin.
Blessings upon you.
(B.C.)
Good morning Martin. Thank you for your devotional this morning. I was born with kidney disease which progressed to the point of requiring a kidney transplant. Recovery was slow but steady. Today I am healthier than I can remember for at least 30 years. Praise be to God for that.
Now that I am well, I say YES to just about everything. When I look at my daytimer, I realize I am busier than when I was working.
Recently I organized a major fundraising walk which took several hour days for weeks. As the walk approached, I was getting feelings of burnout. I was losing patience with people, and my fuse was short. When the Walk was over, I cried all the way home.
Now that summer is here, I have taken a break and am starting to feel renewed. But I was also feeling guilty until I read your message this morning. Thank you so much for giving me some comfort in knowing it is OK to take a break.
Blessings,
(Quebec, Canada)
I sure relate to this.
I have been an over-achiever for all my life.
As I have grown older, I am better at taking breaks and each day now I ask the Lord what my Divine priorities are.
Sometimes I work 4 or 5 hours at a stretch and am surprised at what I end up doing.
Today I felt sore and achy so wet to bed for a while.
And I know it was a good thing to do.