Unplug

One of the great blessings of working for New Life is the gift of sabbatical. Regardless of the position a staff member holds, we are given the gift of time with a sabbatical every 7 years of employment. Sabbatical is a tangible way of demonstrating value and appreciation for someone who has served with perseverance. Sabbatical mirrors the Leviticus model of working hard and resting well. Sabbatical invites us into the God-designed space of trusting Him to provide all our needs while we rest – recognizing that He is our provider, not ourselves. It is in that space that we learn lessons otherwise missed when we are distracted by our daily routines. I experienced my very first sabbatical nearly 2 years ago and I have tried to implement on a daily basis some lessons I learned from that extended time away.

I am merely a steward of God’s work. In order to fully receive the gift of sabbatical, it is necessary – not optional – to fully unplug from our normal routines and responsibilities. The requirement of “no contact” also demonstrates faith that the Lord will cover the nuanced details that fill an Assistant’s day. It reminds us that this is the Lord’s work, and it will go on whether we are there or not! Sabbatical not only refreshes us after diligent work, but it also reminds us whose work this really is.

Then he said to them,
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27-28

It takes longer to recover than it does to get tired. Read that again. Take a moment to remember a time when you last began a work week fully recharged and ready to go. Your weekend was one of refreshing and you arrived ready and excited to begin your week. Then somewhere mid-week (or, perhaps, mid-morning of your first day back) you found yourself zapped of all your energy. Your get-up-and-go got up and went! Chances are that you weren’t fully recharged. Because we are designed for rest, taking time for extended rest is necessary.

The Lord meets us when we make ourselves available. I love how our God is faithful to His children! He knows that we need to be reminded to press pause on everything else and simply seek Him with all our hearts. No distractions. Nothing else before Him. Simply us and Him. It is in that place where we will find Him, and we find Him with arms open wide to His beloved. It is also in this place where we more easily hold things with an open hand so the Lord can take things out – and place things in – our hands for blessing and stewardship.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

Be prepared to allow things to unfold differently than you expect. Even after 56 years of life, I need frequent reminders that God is in charge, not me! As a planner, I am prone to looking ahead, anticipating, and strategizing for the best possible outcome. The problem with that is it involves my understanding of the best possible outcome. There is nothing wrong with planning as long as there is room for the Lord’s hand in the Lord’s work. Every single time I’ve given space, He has orchestrated things so much better than I ever could on my own!

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Have fun! The level of non-planning that comes with sabbatical also allows space to simply have fun. Releasing responsibilities makes way for spontaneity and reminds us that it is good to enjoy the life that God has given to us!

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice
and to do good as long as they live;
and also that every man should eat and drink
and see and enjoy the good of all his labor – it is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:12

Lord, help us to pause and remember what you have taught us. Help us to resist the fray that so easily consumes us. Help us to cooperate and participate in the beautiful rhythms that you have designed us for, and ordained for us. Show us how to release what you desire to replace in our hands for stewardship, not ownership, so that we are more readily attuned to your whisper…

You are adored.