Dear friends,
Having a break in our modern society is a luxury. Oftentimes those who are taking a break are frowned upon because they are perceived to be non-productive. But recently there is a House Bill. No. 4721 waiting to become a law. In essence this bill is about the “right to disconnect” from work-related communications like text, email or messages after office hours so that an employee will have the uninterrupted time to rest and be with their family. Indeed, having a break is essential to one’s health.
Recently a UK study from the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health noted that men and women who work on weekends may be more likely to develop depression. This means that not having a break is affecting the mental health of workers. There is also a growing concern that workers are converting their vacation leave credits into cash.
Did Jesus have a break? Yes, Jesus found time to take a rest. Let us learn from Jesus.
First, amidst our busy schedule, we have to take a nap.
In Mark 4:35-41 we can see that Jesus slept while they were having a boat ride from one side of the Sea of Galilee into another. If you have been in the Sea of Galilee or Lake Kinnereth, the other side is visible because it is near. This means that Jesus planned for a short nap if He was not interrupted by a storm that He calmed. So this is the same with us – take a nap from time to time during the day to be rejuvenated again.
Second, find time to be alone and reflect.
In Matthew 14:13 and 23 we can see that Jesus intentionally left the large crowd to be alone to reflect and to pray. In this highly connected world, we need the time to be alone to think, to meditate, to pray, to read or to simply have a “me time”. This time will surely have a great impact in our productivity.
Third, find time to visit places and friends.
When reading the Gospels we sometimes think that the places there are so near to one another. Not so. Even in a bus now it would several hours to travel from Galilee to Jerusalem. This means that during New Testament times it was a very long travel. This gives an idea that Jesus deliberately traveled to attend a wedding in Cana, to visit His friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, and attend festivals in Jerusalem. How about us? Are we planning a trip in order to take a break? Do it now or else you will break.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on