I just finished a whirlwind summer – number 30 for me and Harvest Ministry. We have been traveling since June 5 and it has been incredible to see the fruit from ministry.
Fall is a busy time in church ministry, which is why I’m thinking of margin, rhythm, vision, and grace. I’m taking a short short time away to restore these things in my life and ministry.
Time away provides margin.
Margin is like the white space around the typed words on paper. If we don’t leave space, we can’t make sense of what’s there. In our busy culture, we must take the bull by the horns and create that space with carefully planned breaks. I often think of something I heard once about life: If you don’t have to time to “look forward to it or reminisce about it,” you’re too busy. I always want to find time to think about what’s coming up and celebrate what has happened.
Time away provides rhythm to life.
Creating a rhythmic beat requires alternating. On a drum set, alternating sounds come from a combination of hitting the snare, kick, or hi-hat at different times. When someone makes it happen well, that combination creates a smooth-sounding rhythm. I’ve been learning that time away enhances creativity and clarity. I’ve seen this in my own life. For about 25 years, I have served part-time in a local church and traveled in the summers to serve with Harvest Ministry. The rhythm of being connected, traveling, and coming back home has been one of God’s awesome blessings in life. Taking time away from the regular thing, much like a weekly Sabbath, keeps us grounded in a sacred rhythm.
Time away opens space for vision.
Vision isn’t invented, it’s discovered. God is always leading us forward, but too often, we’re looking down, too busy to notice. It’s not bad work that keeps us from experiencing the new vision; it’s the fullness of good work that fills every crevice of the heart and mind. I’ve learned that living out our calling can prevent us from hearing God’s future call if we’re not careful. We can fall in love with the call more than the caller. Fresh vision comes from being totally focused on the caller, Jesus. Time away allows us to seek Jesus and regain his vision for our lives and work.
Time away reminds us of grace.
It’s easy to start thinking things depend on us when we serve in ministry. If asked, we would definitely say God’s power is at work, but we treat our calendars like success depends on us. Time away allows space for grace in our lives. God never sleeps. It’s always surprising and amazing how much happens and gets done when we aren’t there. It’s God’s way of saying, “In your weakness I am strong.” We experience grace when things keep going even when we’re taking a break. It’s a reminder that God’s grace cannot be earned.
That’s why those four words come to mind as I prepare to take a little break. I’m praying for margin, rhythm, vision, and grace. Praying for you too!
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