When You Need a Day Off
I woke up long past the first ring of my alarm clock. My head hurt and I was already behind schedule.
I whipped up a quick breakfast for my little army (translation: I put bowls and spoons next to a gallon of milk and some cereal boxes) then reached for my coffee cup. The next several hours I wandered. My hands and feet moved, but my mind felt far far away.
These are the moments I say I’m on auto-pilot. Those moments my body initiates motions absent of my brain.
Have you ever walked into a room then looked up and wondered why you walked in there?
You’re sure you had a reason when you left the kitchen and pointed your toes towards the bedroom. Something in there needed you to pick it up or fold it or take it somewhere. But what? Why on earth did I come in here?, you wonder.
That’s auto-pilot.
It’s what we do without thinking. No direction needed. Because we’ve done it a million times before.
And sometimes I fly on auto-pilot for more than a moment. Sometimes I spend entire days set on auto-pilot.
As much as we desire to be fully present and fully awake to all of the glorious things happening around us all of the time, some days it’s just not likely.
Maybe the baby kept you up all night. Or maybe the flu did. Maybe the extra demands of the day distract you. Maybe your headache makes you want to close your eyes.
Whatever it may be, sometimes we lose the fight and our presence is much more physical than mental. So what do we do with those days? Are they throw away days? No good for anything. We just power through them and hope tomorrow goes better?
Or is there still something to be said for – to be accomplished on – the days we fly on auto-pilot?
I believe there is! Because God’s Word makes it clear, He creates every day and He prepares work for us to do. So that begs the question, what can we do to breed beauty and purpose even on foggy days?
Set your course and stay the course.
Set your course.
Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:26 (ESV)
On days when we feel like we’re simply “going through the motions”, we still do something.
We’re productive or destructive. We’re building up or tearing down.
So we need to set our course, and set it wisely. When our brains are active and alive we can pay close attention to what we do and where we go, making sure those steps are obedient to God. Then, when we kick into auto-pilot mode, even with our head in the clouds, our steps will be sure.
Stay the course.
I will run the way of Your commandments [with purpose],
For You will give me a heart that is willing.” Psalm 119:32 (AMP)
I’m tempted, at times, when the fog settles in to change my course. Pull the covers over my head or look for a brighter way. Veer to the right or to the left.
And if that’s you today, let me encourage you with God’s truth … He will give you a willing heart.
When exhaustion or burden weakens your will, let’s not lose hope. Chase after God and His purpose, and let Him renew your resolve.
Take some time today to ponder the path of your feet and ask God to show His way. Then trust Him to give you a heart that is willing. In the comments section below share one thing you can do today to help you prepare for the fog.
