Taking a day off...

I believe it is very important for everyone to have a day off. God took the seventh day to rest, and we should learn from His example. Far too many times we believe that we must continue to work and do our regular routine because we feel like the world can not go on without us. My conviction is that this is not honoring to God, our families, or to ourselves. We need regular rest so that we are fresh. It also helps us to avoid burnout.

I take Friday's off from work. I like to fish, golf, watch movies, or just veg out in front of Sportcenter on my day off. Many times the phone will ring at home. To be honest, I screen my calls. If it is important, I do call them back. Many times the call can wait until Saturday. I believe that our congregations will respect us for guarding our personal time. There is a book out that is entitled, Ordering Your Private World. Every pastor should read it, and keep the copy on their bookshelf. It is a great resourse.

If what you do can not afford you away for a twenty-four hour period, I would suggest you get a person to whom you can train and delegate some of your work load. There are great benefits involved in this. It was so comforting to know that my associate pastor was ready, willing, and able to step in while I was in Indiana tending to my family.

Well it's Friday, I'm off to go blow the snow off the driveway!