Ever had one of those moments where life throws you a curveball, and it turns out to be a blessing in disguise?

That was our recent vacation in a nutshell.

We'd been eagerly counting down the days to our first family cruise. But, with two big client launches looming, the timing felt... off.

So, I packed my laptop, thinking I'd sneak in some work after the kids hit the sack.

But the ship's wifi decided to take its own little vacation, leaving me with no choice but to... well, shut the laptop and actually vacation.

It felt like a real-life Psalm 23 moment, where the Lord "makes me lie down in green pastures."

Did you know that Sabbath is etched into the very fabric of creation itself?

Picture this: After six epic days of shaping galaxies, stars, mountains, and oceans, even the Almighty paused. Not out of exhaustion, but to set a rhythm for us, a melody of rest.

Now, to all my fellow trailblazing bivocational pastors and dynamic tentmakers, I see you.

Balancing the demands of ministry, work, and life—it's tough and exhausting.

But here's a golden nugget:

Rest isn't just a pit stop; it's the FUEL.

In today's hustle culture, we often mistake busyness for productivity. But both God's Word and modern research beg to differ.

• A Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation leads to decreased efficiency and productivity, more mistakes, and can even have the same impairment level as being legally drunk. Woah.

• A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that short breaks during the day can improve performance and reduce stress. Furthermore, regular rest and vacations can lead to increased productivity upon return to work. 🌴

• Research from the University of California, San Diego, suggests that taking breaks and allowing the mind to wander can enhance problem-solving and creativity. This is because the brain consolidates memories and makes connections during downtime.

And if you need a more down-to-earth perspective, consider this gem from Brandon Turner:

So, before I sign off, here are some tips to help you embrace rest:

• Digital Detox: Set specific times in your day or week to be entirely screen-free. This intentional break from emails and social media allows for genuine, undistracted moments.

• Get Outdoors: Embrace the calming power of nature. Whether it's a walk in the park or a moment by the beach, nature helps ground us and refresh our spirit.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear start and end times for your workday. By prioritizing family, personal, and God-time, you're saying 'yes' to what truly matters.

• Embrace Unplanned Breaks: Life sometimes offers unexpected moments to rest, like my wifi-free cruise. Instead of resisting, lean into these surprises for a much-needed recharge.

Stay rested and blessed,

Jeremy

P.S. Got a 'forced rest' story of your own? I'd love to hear it. Just hit reply!

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