I was blessed to take a couple weeks off during the holiday season. My initial desire was to travel and visit family out of state. No matter the itinerary I tried to create, nothing came together. No problem, I thought. I’ve had numerous holiday staycations through the years, so I started planning one. The list of fun things to do grew lengthy quickly…holiday shows, gatherings with local friends and family, trying new recipes, shopping, visiting outdoor and indoor light displays, etc., etc., etc. We generally anticipate the holiday season being busy. It is almost expected that we maintain a frazzled pace during that time of year.
A day or so into my staycation, it became clear that fun was a secondary goal. In my body, soul, and spirit, I knew the time off was destined to be set apart for a different purpose. As I am sure is the case with you, much transpired in my life in 2022. While I have become much better at taking respites from life, it seemed the year was to end with yet another.
Some would say I didn’t do anything with my time off this holiday season. Oh, dear heart, let me tell you how much I accomplished!
- Rested
When hearing the word “rest”, the primary thought goes to the physical state of being. Rest is much more encompassing. So often we realize, in hindsight, that we have run ourselves down to the point where emotional and psychological rest is in order also.
- Refueled
Givers MUST take time to refuel. Serving others is an honor and a blessing, yet it can be draining. Mothers serve. Fathers serve. Husbands and wives serve. Entrepreneurs and business owners serve, as do their employees. No matter your role in life, you are undoubtedly serving in some capacity. Serving is not just for those in official ministry capacities.
- Rejuvenated
The love for things we enjoy is often placed on the proverbial ‘back burner’ when life gets heavy. Taking time to purge the heaviness of life allows the passion for our interests to be rejuvenated.
- Refocused
Life tends to pull us in many different directions on an as-needed basis. Trouble-shooting the issues of life may result in losing sight of goals and priorities. Downtime provides an opportunity to realign them.
After a stretch of time off, how often have we said, “I need a vacation from my vacation!”? I, myself, have said this in previous years. The statement is a great indicator that our time off was full and fun. And, when fun is the purpose, mission accomplished. Had it not been for the love and guidance of Holy Spirit, I am sure I would not have been as intentional about releasing myself from the busyness this holiday season. As a matter of fact, I was looking forward to it. This time, however, I do not need a vacation from my vacation. I am refreshed and excited; not exhausted and excited.
As the clock ticks ever closer to the new year, I’m ready! After heeding to the gentle nudge of Holy Spirit to pull back from the traditional hustle of the holidays, I feel poised to approach 2023 with
fervor.
It used to be that R&R (rest and relaxation) was what we took a break for. I believe we need much more than that. In this coming new year, bless yourself occasionally with a little R&R…and R&R.
Rest
Relaxation
Reignite
Recharge
Regroup
Reinvent
Reset
Reassess
Reaffirm
Rearrange
Reflect
Recover
The list of possibilities is wide-ranging and much too long to write. Your list should be personalized to suit the goals of the moment. You may find it necessary to create a different list for each break you deem necessary to take. It all depends upon the circumstances of the season. ‘Rest’ is now etched at the top of my list. Through the years, I’ve been amazed at how much I needed it without realizing.
Whatever version your Rs need to be, allow yourself grace to be intentional about employing them for your good. Last, but not least, break the pattern of taking downtime only when it has become a vital necessity. Give yourself permission to do this proactively. Every part of you will thank you!
Happy New Year!
Read Accepting the Assignment on The Lyfe Magazine.
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