In either case, it is good to take a sabbath from serving. Sabbath is a special time-out of ministry for you to refresh yourself in mind, body, soul and spirit. It may be for a weekend, or for a few weeks. It is not just about taking time off and it's not about doing nothing. It is about doing things that will refresh and renew you so that you can re-engage in ministry. Here are a few ways to do Sabbath successfully.
Make a Serving Sabbath Plan that includes the following:
Soak in NEW pools of thought:
One way to think new thoughts is to hear new voices. By that I mean, read new books, and blogs, attend a seminar or service, or listen to a new podcast. New voices provide new thoughts and new thoughts are refreshing
Change your Scenery: Sabbath is an opportunity to get away. Time off is good, but time away is better. A change of scenery can help us with a change in perspective. Sometimes it is helpful for us to pull back from the things we are working on and the people we are working with. A sabbath that includes seeing new sights will help us see our selves, our work and others with new eyes.
Spend time with positive people: Who makes you laugh? Who encourages you and gives you energy? Who makes you feel special? Who is full of life? Sabbath can be a time when you connect with life giving, positive people. Time off is good. Time away is great, but spending part of your time off and away with positive people can reset your attitude and spirit.
Seek God: Sabbath is not just time off, it should be a time upward. Take time to read God's word. A time to pray and linger in the presence of God. Sabbath is your opportunity to extend your times of prayer and worship. Block out the unnecessary buzz and noise of music and media. Be with your father and let him speak to you.
Assess your SHAPE: Your time off to unwind is a great time to also review the way you are living and serving. Are you serving from your strengths? Does your ministry match your SHAPE? (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Passion, Experience).
Sleep-in: Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. No, really... I mean it. There is an element of faith and trust in God at we exercise when we sleep. We trust that He is truly the one in control. He is at work and we don't have to pretend the world will stop spinning if we rest. Sleep is God's way of reminding us that He is in control, not us!
Sleep-with: Sabbath is a time to connect intimately with your spouse. Marital intimacy is a special way to show and receive love, affirmation and encouragement to your spouse. I know, I know...my single friends are gagging right now, but here's my encouragement to anyone who is single... be intimate with others on your sabbath. Not sexually of course, but relationally. Get with people who know you. People who know your heart. People who know your story and love you not for what you do but for who you are.
Make a Serving Sabbath Plan that includes the following:
One way to think new thoughts is to hear new voices. By that I mean, read new books, and blogs, attend a seminar or service, or listen to a new podcast. New voices provide new thoughts and new thoughts are refreshing
Change your Scenery: Sabbath is an opportunity to get away. Time off is good, but time away is better. A change of scenery can help us with a change in perspective. Sometimes it is helpful for us to pull back from the things we are working on and the people we are working with. A sabbath that includes seeing new sights will help us see our selves, our work and others with new eyes.
Seek God: Sabbath is not just time off, it should be a time upward. Take time to read God's word. A time to pray and linger in the presence of God. Sabbath is your opportunity to extend your times of prayer and worship. Block out the unnecessary buzz and noise of music and media. Be with your father and let him speak to you.
Assess your SHAPE: Your time off to unwind is a great time to also review the way you are living and serving. Are you serving from your strengths? Does your ministry match your SHAPE? (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Passion, Experience).
Sleep-in: Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. No, really... I mean it. There is an element of faith and trust in God at we exercise when we sleep. We trust that He is truly the one in control. He is at work and we don't have to pretend the world will stop spinning if we rest. Sleep is God's way of reminding us that He is in control, not us!
Sleep-with: Sabbath is a time to connect intimately with your spouse. Marital intimacy is a special way to show and receive love, affirmation and encouragement to your spouse. I know, I know...my single friends are gagging right now, but here's my encouragement to anyone who is single... be intimate with others on your sabbath. Not sexually of course, but relationally. Get with people who know you. People who know your heart. People who know your story and love you not for what you do but for who you are.
Sharpen the saw: The wise lumberjack won't just rest from cutting trees, he will also sharpen his saw. A serving sabbath is an opportunity to learn while you are resting. Learning new things while you rest will provide you with fresh insight and ideas for when you re-enter ministry. Sharpening the saw should include praying, learning and even planning and preparing for your next season of service.
Set NEW Serving Dates:
Some people go on permanent Sabbath and miss the opportunity to be blessed by being a blessing through serving. If you sit out for a season be sure you to get back in the game. Make a commitment to yourself and ministry leaders to emerge from your serving sabbatical with renewed passion and energy for service. Your re-engagement might be another person's opportunity to slip out for a much needed Sabbath rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment