Getting Slowed Down

One week ago I was slowed down considerably but learned some valuable lessons in the process.  It wasn’t the path that I would have chosen, but it transpired anyway.  How?  On my way out of work I slipped on ice and fell on my shoulder.  The pain was intense and I felt I had broken a bone.  After a trip to the Doctor’s Office, x-rays and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon, I was informed that I had an AC Separation.  Nothing was broken but I did need to have my arm in a sling and get some rest.  As a result of the accident, I have learned a number of things.

1)      Healing takes time.

2)      Extra rest is needed to stimulate the healing process.
3)      It is OK to ask others for help you when you need it.
4)      Modern technology and technicians are wonderful.
5)      Patience is necessary because others are not always able to help at a moment’s notice.
6)      Being slowed down gives you opportunity to reflect – particularly on what is really important including God, His Word and family.
7)      In spite of pain and inconvenience contentment is possible.

The last lesson reminds me of the Biblical expression of the Apostle Paul who said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).  To be content is to be happy, to be satisfied or to be at ease.  Notice that contentment is something that needs to be learned.   So far, through this incident, I have experienced contentment.  I was at ease, even when headed to the medical facility with the possibility of a broken bone and surgery.  God allowed me to be satisfied that He would take care of me, no matter what the outcome.

Maybe we need to slow ourselves down and learn the lessons that God may want to teach us without waiting for an emergency to slow us down.

Time for Rest

In the whirlwind of our fast-paced society it is sometimes difficult to stop or even slow down.  However, amid our hectic activity of work and service (no matter how good the service we provide) we need to program rest into our schedules.  Amid a very busy schedule for both Jesus and his disciples He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  There was a reason for his request; He needed rest, and they needed it.  You need rest too!  Notice several things about His comments:

(1) The invitation – “come.”
(2) The source – “with me.”
(3) The exclusivity – “by yourselves.”
(4) The destination – “to a quiet place.”
(5) The purpose – “and get some rest.”

Periodically we need to STOP.  Stop our activities – even good activities.  Stop our worrying – even thinking about concerns that may be good.  You can’t keep on working and serving without rest.  Here are some suggestions for you:

(1) Learn how to say “no.”
(2) On your day off – make sure you take time off.
(3) Go on a vacation – take all the time that you are allotted.
(4) Encourage your spouse or a friend to “come apart…and get some rest.”
(5) Ask God to help you rest as you should.

When you rest, you will be more effective in the work that you do and the service you render.  Just do it!