Matthew 15:21 “Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.” If you are a leader in any form please take and heed this word. Jesus, being God, took time and withdrew!! I am 37 years old and I am just now (actually right now) understanding the importance of this time. I have a complex…actually it’s a pride battle, believing I have to be there for the church to function. Now, I understand why Jesus took time to get refreshed…even though He had thousands following desiring healing, salvation and more. If Jesus took time away with just three years and six months of ministry, why would I be so arrogant to think I didn’t need time away. Here is what I believe should be involved in a planned or spontaneous get away. (This is not a struggle for an unproductive employee or staff member. It’s the next level leader that battles taking time away.)
1) Go somewhere at least a days drive from the office…remove the temptation!
2) Read a great book that stretches your mind…
3) Sleep alot! You do not know how tired you are until you break from the routine. Take naps too!
4) Enjoy great food!
5) Meditate on God’s Word and great quotes.
6) Breath deep…take it in and let it out slowly!
7) Write thank you notes…expressing gratitude relieves stress.
8 ) Going to a coastal region like Jesus did (Tyre and Sidon) helps my wife and I.
If you are a church leader make certain your staff is taking ample time away to rest. Do what you can to support his or her trip and fund it if possible. I have never worried about burn out, but last week I felt myself flaming out for the first time. My response to this experience of flame out has lead me to the #2 beach in North America. It was reactive and not proactive. By God’s grace this will not happen again.
Why don’t we rest and get away more? What else do I need to add to this list? Help me with my rest and relaxation.
Dave Anderson says,
if you are married and assuming your wife is with you on this mini-retreat – have lots of sex. Seriously – find a way to fuel your desire for each other to grow closer and to remove the temptations that creep in when you are in a busy season of ministry. Keep the marriage burning hot too!
on 22 July 2009 / 9:05 AM
Jaci says,
I saw this bumper sticker somewhere: “On the 7th day, God created naps – and they were AWESOME!” Okay, not quite literally correct, but the point is, God knows we need rest. I think that’s pretty awesome, that He would build that into the system He created, because He knows we need it. That probably also means He created us to need it, so neglecting that aspect of our lives (the need for R&R) isn’t part of His plan. But you’re right, this isn’t a “truth” for the unproductive believer; you need to be active to appreciate God’s gift of rest.
Geez, ramble much?
on 22 July 2009 / 9:06 AM
hdkizer says,
When you do get away…don’t live by a schedule! People wear themselves out thinking that they have to see everything and do everything. #8 Just Relax!
Now you understand why Mark and I get away every few months to a cabin…withdrawing and “unplugging” as I call it is good for the soul in so many ways!
Enjoy the rest!
on 22 July 2009 / 9:39 AM
Pam Worcester says,
Hey Shannon – good to know you’re learning this lesson! I’ve learned that sometimes if we don’t take time to rest that God will force us to rest and we probably won’t like how he does it! Another suggestion for you – go back to your blog on June 30 “Delegate”. Give yourself permission also to take a Sunday off! Love you and your family and BNC!
on 22 July 2009 / 9:49 AM
Marty says,
Leading on Empty was a book that actually revealed a bunch of unhealthy patterns in my life. I was so tired and I never knew it. Thanks for sharing Shannon.
on 22 July 2009 / 2:36 PM
Rose Clubb says,
Shannon, it’s not only learning life’s lesson’s , you are a person that is needed, People that do for other people, it is a pleasure, not a task for some of us, it’s not being boastfull or full of pride, it’s actually something we like to do, being needed and do for others.. Taking time for ones self is needed in order to see the wonderfull difference one does make! We your flock are forever greatfull for you Shannon, Now you have learned you must thank yourself…..
on 22 July 2009 / 3:36 PM
Joyce says,
It is true that we need to get away some of the time, but with times such as we are in, can we really. I am speaking of physically getting away. I know we should get away spiritually and get to know God more and more. We spend so much time trying to do what is right for us, BUT why are we not spending our time with God more than the worldly things that draw us away from Him.
on 22 July 2009 / 3:44 PM
Dale Boggus says,
Years ago I read the book, When I Relax I Feel Guilty. I think the author is Ted Hansel. I’ll try to find my copy to loan to you. And as a suggestion, both Shain and Zeke are wonderful communicators of God’s Word, and I bet you know a few others, too. A layman on stage can encourage others who are shy about stepping out.
on 23 July 2009 / 8:14 PM
Pastor Rick Montgmery says,
Well Shannon, Next month I will be 55 years young. And just recently I discovered that I need rest too. I have always been like you going doing trying to build the kingdom and get everything done in my life also. A few weeks ago I got up on a Friday morning and felt a strange stinging behind my ear. That day I built a fence with one of my sons and that night I had a wedding at Bull Shoals on the lake. We had planned a family time away after the wedding. While building the fence my wife walked out in a bathing suit she had found and I started to whistle and could not. I thought how strange that was because I am a great whistler. Anyway I took a shower and we loaded up and headed to Bull Shoals for the wedding. By the time we arrived the left side of my face was drawn down and I did not speak very clearly and I was drooling. Can you believe this, I got on a party barge and another one followed and I did the wedding. Then because of the problem we drove back home to Conway to be close to the hospital. On Sunday I preached and on Monday morning I found out I had Bells Palsey which is caused by stress. All that to say this. We must turn aside and rest. Thanks again Shannon.
on 28 July 2009 / 9:09 AM
Joyce says,
Matthew 15:21 “Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.”
Are you telling us to turn away from the work that God has given, and take care of our selfs first? Yes you do need to understand that the church can run without you, its Gods’ Church. To many Pastors/Leaders try to take on the all of that congregation which is just a part in Gods’ Church. God will use you how ever is needed.
on 30 July 2009 / 11:03 PM