Have you ever been there? I can get going, living, working not realizing I am not giving my best to my ministry, my family, my church, etc. In the past, my attitude was, “I need to dig in and work harder… I need to get more focused.” Well there may be some truth to that. However, by expereience I have learned that I don’t grow in diligence or focus by “trying harder.”
Recently, I took 5 days off for the Easter holiday. I haven’t done that in years. I did not have much on my plate except updating this website which, for me, is fun. As I was spending time with the Lord in worship and prayer one morning, I had a flood of fresh ideas and energy to carry out the desire entering my heart. I began to ponder why I have all this renewed energy.
Story of 2 Lumberjacks
Once upon a time, a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant and he was hired. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work.
The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees. “Congratulations,” the boss said. “Keep working that way!”
Very motivated by his boss’ words, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he could only bring 15 trees. The third day he gave even more effort, but he only could bring 10 trees.
Day after day he was bringing in less and less trees. “I must be losing my strength”, the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on. “When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” the boss asked. “Sharpen my axe? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been too busy with cutting trees…”
I have lived so much of my life like that. The reality is none of us can go full energy non-stop. We NEED rest and renewal. This is not optional for human beings.
If you are burning your candle at both ends, why don’t you take some time to blow out the burning ends… That is, take some time to cease what you are doing and simply rest. After a little rest, consider your life and ask God how you can improve what you are doing, whether it’s in your marriage, family, business, ministry, etc.
Though I did not receive it the same several days off, I did run into an article on managing volunteers, which Gateway House of Prayer is made up of 178 of them that really gave me many good ideas and I think effectively helped “sharpen my saw.”
God gave us sabbaths because we need them. Take a sabbath this week and rest. Blessings! – Jimmy Nimon