When was the last time you took a day off and
spent the whole day doing only what you wanted to do. For some
this may occur regularly but for most probably not too often.
When I take a day off I usually have a list of things I have been
putting off until I have the time to get to them. Something always
needs painting, fixing, trimming, changing, or moving. Does that
sound like you too?
There is also the element of guilt that prevents enjoying a day off. Guilt because of needing to do some of the things listed above, or because there is someone you need to visit, a deadline approaching or you just simply can’t afford to allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing.
I am here to tell you that all work and no play may not make you dull but it will sure make you tired, depressed and stressed. You may get eight hours sleep, eat all the right things and go to church three times a week, but if you can’t find the time to relax and enjoy the simple things it can affect your mental and physical well being.
Jesus took the time to rest. In Mark 6 He stresses the importance of getting alone to rest. We need to get away from distractions. Telephones, interruptions and sometimes even those we love rob us of the quiet moments needed to reflect and recharge. Reading is a nice escape. A long drive or even a trip to the Mall can help. Some enjoy fishing. Maybe for you it’s sewing, drawing, painting or music. The main thing is for you to choose the form of rest. It might just be that an uninterrupted time of Bible study would be the cure.
31
And He said to
them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest
a while.’’ (For there were many people coming and going,
and they did not even have time to eat.)
32
They went away
in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.
When you take the time to truly rest the benefits for you, your family and your business are many. Take a day off with the only thing on your agenda being a morning sunrise and an evening sunset with no plans for in between except a pot of coffee and a study Bible. That sounds pretty good to me.
