More About Balance

About a year ago our family decided, rather radically, to take the truth of a Sabbath rest seriously, mostly because we believe the 10 commandments are still that – commandments and the fourth commandment of “remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy” falls between the third and fifth commandments so it’s just as valid as “Thou shalt not commit adultery”.

This wasn’t as easy as it sounds… but it was one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done personally and business-wise. Saturday night, when it’s time to hit the pillow, I make a deliberate effort to make sure all “work” is done and shut down the computer until Monday. Since many of my advertisements have my Instant Message addresses on there, I put in a quick auto response that says something like, “Sorry I missed you. I’ll be back at the computer on Monday.” My voice mail message is the same.

Imagine, a whole day, spent in rest and enjoyment. No thinking about work. No “to do” lists. No endless emails, checking inventory, filing paperwork, making up hostess packets…. Nothing at all having to do with work.

Even if you’re not one who believes in the bible, that just makes a whole bunch of sense. Your family needs to you take a rest from the work… your customers need you to refresh for 24 hours so you can serve them with gusto starting again on Monday morning. YOU need the break to renew your mind…however that looks for you.. and to take time to watch the horses or smell the flowers… or even plant them if that’s relaxing for you.

The focus of the biblical command is that of holiness…focusing your mind for that whole period on God and His glory. I have to admit, that is still a struggle for me. My mind is still working on the rest part… I still spend much of my Sunday thinking about what I’m going to do on Monday. But I can’t even describe how wonderful it is to not even have the option to act on it. Instead of running up to my computer “just one more time”, I can take a nap. Instead of mulling over a design for a flyer or even an entry to a blog, I can read the bible or another great book… one that has NOTHING to do with Direct Sales, stuffed animals or RSS feeds and Blogs! J

And you know what else? On Monday morning I get up READY to hit it hard. Yes, my inbox is full of emails, but it’s a delight to look through them, actually read them instead of skimming, and answer with a refreshed mind. My family is happy, my customers are happy, I am happy… and I like to think that God is pleased at my efforts as well.

I’d love your thoughts…

Annette