Faith & Finish

Rest

I don’t know about you guys, but it’s hard for me to rest when I have work to do.

When there is a lot on my mind it keeps me preoccupied during the day and my mind running at night.

It may be in sub-conscience. I’m not obviously aware.

For instance, I’ve told you before I prepare my sermons on Monday and Tuesday. Usually, by Tuesday evening it’s done and in the can. Slides, everything.

Still needs editing, but it’s done.

2 things.

I sleep better Tuesday night.

I have a hard time playing golf Monday afternoons.

I have a friend who will invite me out but I just can’t if my work isn’t done.

But if it is, I can enjoy a round.

Golf is good for me b/c it requires concentration. You have to get everything else out of your mind to hit good shots.

Another value is, it’s 4 hours w/ friends.

Once the work is done, I can go play. And sometimes I work hard at playing.

Friday is my day off, most of you know I protect that day so Sara and I can spend the time together.

Brunch. Errands. Whatever, we do it together.

Sometimes we’ll take a picnic lunch out into the forest.

When the forest is your backyard.

Antelope park. Brollier Park. Schnebly Hill Rd.

That’s why I take Friday. Most pastors take Monday off. I can’t b/c I’m already thinking about the next Sunday.

Weekly off days are important, so are weeks off for vacations.

When we go on vacation I have to disengage. For me it has to be something that takes me away.

We live in the mountains, so vacation is usually the ocean.

We love cruises.

This fall we have plans for Hawaii.

Hawaii got cheap. Not anymore. But Hawaii is all tourism now. There are no farms or plantations but for the tourists to see how it used t/b.

So when the pandemic shut down Hawaii, they were hurting.

Resort employees, restaurants, everything related to tourism.

When they started opening up they desperately wanted tourists back so plane tickets were cheap for a while.

Hawaii is so different, with lots of fun things to do, I can get away from work and work on my relationship w/ my wife.

And, some friends are going w/ us.

Until the work is done, I can’t play.

But, once the work is done, I’m ready to play.

I can’t wait till I’m old and retired like most of you. Everyday is a vacation.

What day is it, anyway? Blursday.

What are you doing today? Nothing.

I thought you did that yesterday.

I did. I didn’t finish it.

Okay, I get it. Even when you’re retired you need vacations.

You have to disengage from the day to day.

There is always work t/b done.

On your house.

Many of you volunteer and carry burdens for the church or other organizations.

We all have to break away.

Get the work done then get away.

Get away from the day to day stress.

Once the work is done, then we can rest.

But rest doesn’t mean sit idle. Rest means it’s time to go to work on our important relationships.

This is the message of Hebrews 4:1-11.

Get the work done, get to rest and get to work on your important relationships.