For those who maybe do not know, I have the joy of serving as the pastor of Salem Baptist Church (mysalembaptist.com) for nearly twelve years. This summer the church was incredibly gracious to provide a five-week sabbatical. I spent much time reflecting on the past year’s victories, celebrations, challenges and more. I wanted to share two lessons I learned that might help someone else.
The first lesson I learned was that life is short and I am getting older. It seems like live continues to move really, really fast. I slowed down long enough during my sabbatical to look in the mirror. Sure, there is more gray hair than I have ever had. But as I get older it comes with the realization that there is more life in my rear-view mirror than there is in the windshield.
Our grandson, Clark, turned five this summer… FIVE! How did that happen? Our granddaughter, Ellen, is two but began preschool this school year. Life is moving really, really fast! Many years ago, Nicole Nordeman, recorded the song, “Slow Down.” I have reflected on those lyrics as we spent extended time with Clark and Ellen during my sabbatical.
Slow down
Won’t you stay here a minute more
I know you want to walk through the door
But it’s all too fast
Let’s make it last a little while
I pointed to the sky and now you wanna fly
I am your biggest fan
I hope you know I am
But do you think you can somehow
Slow down
Life is short and we are all getting older. We all want time with our children and grandchildren to slow down.
Both of my parents are in failing health. Like many I have walked beside in hard seasons, in the next 5-10 years if the Lord tarries, both of my parents will pass away and go to be with the Lord. I need to be more intentional about traveling to see them. Life is short and I am getting older. I want to make the best use of the time the Lord has given me.
The second lesson I learned is that God designed us to need rest. In Psalm 23:1-3a, David shares, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…” One of the greatest misconceptions about rest is that it’s something we earn after we have finished our work. The problem is that most of us never finish. That is why so many pastors struggle to rest. The work of shepherding people is never completely finished this side of heaven.
Most of us struggle to rest. We’re not waiting until the work is complete; we are waiting until there is nothing left to do. That day never comes. One of the beautiful truths of Psalm 23 is that the Shepherd determines the pace.
David does not say the sheep decide when to stop. He says, “He makes me to lie down.”
During my weeks away, life slowed to a pace I hadn’t experienced in years. I spent unrushed time with the Lord. I read without immediately asking, “How can I use this in a sermon?” I fished, Nova and I laughed with our daughter and laughed and played with our grandkids and I never thought about my next appointment.
Life slowed down, and my mind became clearer. There were more than a few times that I forgot what day it was. It made me smile. Hard work honors God, but healthy rest honors Him as well. The Shepherd who calls us to serve also knows when His servants need to lie down beside still waters. God designed us to need rest!
What about you? Are you maximizing your time? Are you taking time to rest? My prayer is my lessons will encourage you in that!
