By Doug Creamer

Work Rest Balance

            I have worked with people who watched the clock and when it was time to go, they were gone. I never watched the clock that closely. Granted, there were times that I left as soon as I could, but that was the exception. Generally, I put in many more hours than was expected and I know I was not the exception. There are many teachers who put in long hours.

            I think I may have had workaholic tendencies. For most of my career I put in way too many hours. It wasn’t until I was winding down my career that I began to develop a better work-life balance. I have been retired for nearly six years now and my former school still goes on. Soon it will be time for prom, reviews for the final exams, and another graduation. All that will continue and I am not there.

            Of course, teachers are not the only profession with workaholics. Doctors, lawyers, firefighters, and the list goes on. There are people in every career field who could be considered workaholics. The employers may like it, but it is not healthy. That mindset can take a toll on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We have to learn to take a step back and figure out how to create a better balance so we can live a fulfilling life.

            Jesus and the Old Testament both teach us the value of resting. In the Old Testament the Jewish people were told to take a Sabbath day. This was a day of rest, reflection, prayer, and a time to reconnect with family and friends. In other words, the people were encouraged to slow down and enjoy life and each other. The Sabbath day was a call to connect with God. To rest in His presence. To be refreshed.

            Jesus would have obeyed the command to rest on the Sabbath. Jesus went to the temple on the Sabbath. Jesus healed people in the temple on the Sabbath. Jesus taught on the Sabbath. Jesus taught His listeners about the love of God. After Jesus fed the five thousand, He dismissed the crowds, sent His disciples away in a boat, and then went up into the hills to a quiet place to pray, rest, and be refreshed.

            Jesus understands our need to rest. He calls to us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” He knows and understands that life has a way of taking a toll on us. In those moments, He calls to us to come to Him where we can find rest and peace. God wants to meet with us and lift our burdens, comfort us, restore us, and renew our strength.

            Running to Jesus is not a call for us to be selfish, self-centered, or self-indulgent. He calls us to Himself to be refreshed and renewed so we can be ready to serve in His Kingdom. The reason for any self-care is preparation. Jesus wants us to take good care of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing so we can be ready to fulfill His purposes. If we allow ourselves to get burned out, how are we going to be useful to Him? Being ready for service is the purpose for self-care.

            The struggle is developing a balance in our lives. Is it okay to take a break and go on vacation? Yes, we all need time to get away. Does God expect you to do and be a part of everything? No, but He expects you to connect with others in the family of God where you can be encouraged and challenged to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus and where you can do the same for others. He also wants you to be in prayer and His Word every day so you can develop a closer relationship with Him. There are so many things pulling and distracting us from being with God. Connecting with God will help us maintain a balanced life.

            I want to encourage you to examine your life and see if things are out of balance. If you have allowed things to distract you from maintaining your spiritual life and connection with God, then it’s time to get life back in balance. A life centered around God is a healthy life. A God centered life will give you peace, joy, strength, energy, and a purpose. There will be more opportunities to be used by God if you draw close to Him. He wants you rested and refreshed so you will be ready to serve Him. 

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com