One of the best ways to keep your perspective on what’s truly important is to plan times of rest and recreation. The word recreation means to ‘re-create’: to recharge your batteries physically, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Rest and recreation help to restore your creativity, give you fresh passion for your God-given vision, and bring balance to your world. The Bible says, ‘God…rested from all his work’ (Genesis 2:2 NIV). Now, since God doesn’t sleep and never gets tired, clearly He was setting an example for us to follow. Purpose-driven people can become obsessed with work and believe they shouldn’t have fun because it means taking time off from their vision. They might even consider fun to be a waste of time or feel guilty when they take a break from work. But that’s not what Jesus taught - He said to His disciples, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ (Mark 6:31 NIV). God thought that taking time off was so important, He put it in the Bible. So don’t be afraid to take time to rest and relax in His presence. The Message paraphrase puts it like this: ‘If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy…if you honour it by refusing ‘business as usual,’ making money, running here and there - then you’ll be free to enjoy God!’ (Isaiah 58:13-14 MSG). God allows and intends us to have times of rest and enjoyment in His presence, so we can come back to our work with fresh energy.

What Now?
Set aside 30 minutes today to do something you really enjoy. As you’re doing it, invite God to join you.