One of the things that has come to my attention is the need for more “downtime”. Like many people, I don’t take a lot of downtime although I do try to schedule periods of rest throughout the year. With our church however, we are taking a two-week break from meetings and gatherings in order to rest, refresh and refocus ourselves. As I thought about this more, I wondered how this might be difficult for people, especially those who are “doers”. With that in mind and especially myself, here are a few things to consider.

Start slowing down now.

When coming upon a stop sign or red light signal, it’s best to apply the brakes slowly than to slam them to the floorboard. What would slowing down now look like for you? It may look like turning your phone on silent mode an hour earlier. Maybe setting up your phone voicemail that says you’ll only be available at certain times over the next couple of weeks? Maybe it could be as simple as blocking off a time where you will sit with 15 minutes of silence? My point here is that you start slowing things down now.

Determine a plan for the break.

Go into this break with a gameplan of what refreshing looks like for you. It may mean a few walks in the park. It might be scheduling some time of conversing with old friends…set that up now. Making the most of some downtime will work best with an idea of what you really need for your soul. That may mean earlier bedtimes or maybe longer times of silence. Start mapping out how this time can be best used. Don’t stress over the plan but have an idea of some things that will help you find God and yourself again.

Pray about everything God wants you to do or not do.

As you pray don’t just pray about the two weeks but what needs to start or stop after the two weeks. During this downtime, use it to evaluate what brings you the most joy and what’s stealing your joy? Evaluate where your talents and abilities can best be used. Then plan how and when you can start or stop. The point here is to simply submit all things to God and then be obedient to what He says.

It’s not usually a good thing to slam on the brakes when driving very fast. Start the stop now so that when it’s time to go you know exactly where you are and how to get there and be able to enjoy the ride all along the way!