August 23, 2005

   I spent last week in Kansas visiting with my dad, one of my brothers and his wife, my in-laws, and a host of other family.  It was a week of vacation that was marked by lots of talking, even more eating, and some much awaited rest and recreation.  Taking some time away from usual duties and responsibilities is important for all people.  This is a model given to us by Jesus in the gospels.  Throughout his ministry Jesus took time to rest his body and to renew his heart. 

   It is interesting in human life that of all the things that we know that we should do to keep ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy we fail to use the one readily available.  Taking some “time away” is often far under utilized.  It is not uncommon for people to take some vacation time, but “vacation time” is usually filled from day one through fourteen with packed schedules, traveling time, and site-seeing agenda’s.  The time that Jesus models is a time that allows for regeneration of the spirit, renewal of relationships, and rest for the body.

   Having time for rest and renewal is not only important once a year, it is critical for our regular schedules.  If we believe that life is full only when our schedules are packed, we have missed an important lesson of faith.  In order to be healthy in our souls we need times of rest.  Our minds need time to relax, our bodies need time to recuperate, and our souls need to spend some extra quality time with God.  One of the best practices that all families and individuals need to practice is taking at least one night each week when your schedule is not planned and packed.  It is far better to keep two or three nights each week unplanned.

   When we have this time to rest and reflect, we find that we have more energy for life and more time to grow in our relationship with God.  Take a night, and plan to spend it with the people you love and the God who loves you.  It will be the best night of the week.

Grace and Peace,

Richard

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