The Present of Presence
I don ’ t want to be a cranky , spiritually hungry disciple of Jesus . I long to be so desperate for more of God and the Holy Spirit that I pursue His presence above all else . In a world that celebrates busyness , how do we accept this gift of rest God so generously offers to us ? How do we find these unforced rhythms of grace that help us slow down as we walk hand in hand with our Father ?
When you are given time off , a holiday or an opportunity for Sabbath , take it
ACCEPT THE GIFT OF THE SECRET PLACE We see Jesus model this in His intentionality to be with His Father . We see it in His 40 days in the wilderness , in the garden before His death and as He grieved the death of John the Baptist . Jesus was showing us that in times of celebration , temptation and decision making , running to our secret place to meet with God is the beginning to wisdom , peace and understanding . He didn ’ t see hiddenness as a punishment , but safety .
Midnight Hour Mistakes
As I grow in ministry , I am learning that rest keeps us from making after-midnight mistakes — those mistakes we make when our guard is down and souls are weary .
Rest gives us wisdom to know when we are using discernment and when we are being suspicious .
Rest keeps our swords sharp and heart soft .
Rest is a weapon the enemy hopes we never use in our warfare against him .
Rest helps me grow deep roots in rich soil that will produce good fruit .
What our churches celebrate , what our organizations celebrate , will be what we cultivate . If we sow long hours , celebrate those who don ’ t take their vacation days or sick days and reward only those without boundaries , we will reap burnout and high turnover .
ACCEPT THE GIFT OF GENEROSITY When you are given time off , a holiday or an opportunity for Sabbath , take it ! Put an “ out of office ” message on your email , use your phone for emergencies and family and don ’ t do anything work related . Sleep in , spend time with your children or best friends , truly unplug and do things that help you see God in fresh ways through creation , creativity and community .
ACCEPT THE GIFT OF MULTIPLICATION When we multiply ourselves and teach others to do what we do successfully , we aren ’ t abdicating our position , we ’ re creating opportunities for others . When I multiply myself , I am not concerned I ’ ll be replaced . I ’ m confident I am replaceable , which makes me an effective leader and mentor . Utilize interns , new staff members and team members to help in setting and achieving goals so even in your absence everyone remains on mission .
48 CRA today / www . christianretailassociation . org