I recently did a podcast recording and around mid interview after we had been talking about my accomplishments, the host said to me, ‘you’ve had your foot on the gas for so long, when do you take a break?’ I paused, and thought for a little bit, and responded ‘now’.
It’s weeks later and this question has stuck with me.
When do you take a break?
For much of my life, I’ve seen success a certain way, and in order to attain that success, there are some paths that need to be followed. Add to that mix that I am a high achiever and a high learner (aka – I love to learn) and I push myself hard.
Lately, or maybe a little longer than lately, I’m being told that I need to slow down. I couldn’t continue at the break neck pace that I was going. Even during the pandemic when many others figured out how to slow down, that wasn’t an option for some, and I fell into that category.
Recently though, the thoughts have been coming clearer. ‘Slow down’ ‘sit quietly’ ‘breathe’ ‘meditate on this’..
Our society has been glorifying over work, and I must admit that I’ve fallen into that category. Can I tell you one thing I’ve learned from that? Over work causes burn out.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 states: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
It then goes on to share the different activities and I’ll highlight the ones that are jumping out at me:
A time to plant and a time to uproot
A time to tear down and a time to build
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them
A time to be silent and a time to speak
For those who know me, I’ve gotten the question recently ‘is everything ok?’ I know I’ve been silent, and even in those moments, I am becoming ok with my silence as I meditate on things – and gaining a deeper understanding that this too is a part of our seasons.
Which season are you walking through?
It’s ok to be reminded that ‘there is a time for everything under the sun’ and proceed accordingly.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you understand us so well. Thank you that some things are just for a season and that they will change. Help us to be present in whatever season we find ourselves in and learn the most from them – because nothing we experience is in vain.
