“Me” Time? (and Giveaway!)

 

I think we can all agree, sometimes even the best of us need a minute.

A minute to breathe. A minute to escape. A minute to lock ourselves in the bathroom where no one can touch us, call our name or ask something of us. But, there’s a stigma with “Me” time, isn’t there? Just as soon as we decide it’s time to get away, the battle between the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other begins.

The angel assure you the time is needed and long overdue, but the little devil shakes his pitchfork shouting, “Selfish! Selfish!”

The angel tells you time away is good for everyone, while the other guy accuses you of bailing on your responsibilities.

So, which voice is right? Is it okay to take time for yourself? Can we honor God this way or is it always a selfish move?

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:3 (NASB)

God built rest into the routine of our lives. It was His idea, not ours. The problem lies in our approach. We’re confused about when to call these time-outs, so we either call them too often and miss out on God’s purposes or we squeeze every inch of sanity out of ourselves until one day we spew all over the people we love.

In football, time-outs are a valuable and strategic part of every game. I believe time-outs in our daily lives can be the same. The key is when and why we use them.

Let’s look at three reasons to call a time-out. And as we do, I propose we change “Me” time to “Re” time.

1. When you don’t know what to do next: Reconsider.

There are times in life when we see a challenge and don’t know how to proceed. To continue without considering our course will likely lead to mistakes easily avoided if we hit pause long enough to reconsider the plan.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 (NASB)

2. When you don’t like what you see: Refresh.

Time-outs don’t always have to be about our own state of mind. Sometimes our team grows weary and begins to lag behind. Dragging them at our pace will only drain our energy, as well. A quick trip to the sideline for a sip of water will refresh both our souls and the souls of those we lead.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.” Psalm 42:1 (NASB)

3. When you need to silence the crowd: Reset.

Sometimes the game gets away from us. Our opponents seem to strengthen, and while we continue to fight, the crowd noise grows louder and louder. The voices yelling against us drown out the voice of the One fighting for us. We can’t hear our teammates. We can’t communicate. We need to reset. When the battle stills, the voices soften. If only for a moment, we can hear our Savior’s voice. We can listen and be filled.

Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,'” Isaiah 30:21 (NASB)

And while we can call a time-out at just the right time, the most important part of “Re” time is what happens during the pause in play. Every time a sports team calls a time-out the players talk to the coach. And we ought to do the same. Our time-outs should not merely center around self-indulgence or temporary feel-good moments, instead, we should be sure to spend time seeking the Source of our strength.

In Matthew 14, we meet Jesus after the news of His cousin’s death, John the Baptist – beheaded for his faithfulness.

Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself;” Matthew 14:13 (NASB)

But the crowds demanded more of Jesus. They followed Him on foot and met Jesus hungry for more. Surely, Jesus desired more time with His Father, but Jesus felt compassion for the crowd. He healed their sick and when evening came, instead of sending the people away to find their own dinner, Jesus fed them.

Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and they all ate and were satisfied.” Matthew 14:19-20a (NASB)

Did you catch that? In between a boat-ride cut short and a miracle for the masses, Jesus paused. He saw the demand, but chose to change His perspective. He took the food and looked up to heaven. A moment. A breathe. A pause. To seek His Father.

The game must be played – our lives must be lived. We have jobs to do and good works to accomplish. But, if we take our time-outs strategically, they can aid us in living victoriously.

This week I’m giving away another beautiful piece from Ancient Verse. To enter to win this “blessed” wall art, Leave a comment by Friday, May 22, and tell me about something you like to do during your “Re” time!