Taking Time

Rev. Joshua Patty
Regional Minister and President

You're working hard. Perhaps you are preparing for additional Holy Week worship services. Maybe you are working with others to develop and adapt your procedures for gathering in-person. Or you might be adjusting to the opportunities to offer some pastoral care and face-to-face visits.

If you're like me, almost all of it takes more time than you anticipate. And if you're like most ministers, you've been working extra for months.

What time have you taken for yourself? What time has honored your personal relationships? What time have you spent relaxing or engaging in activities and hobbies that nourish your spirit?

Ministry is not a calling where our responsibilities end at a set time of day or day of the week. Even under the best circumstances, there have been times when we've lost sleep, worked right through scheduled time off, or even needed to completely change vacation plans.

However, ministry is not a calling where we never have time off and time away. If you've been over-functioning in your work and neglecting the other God-given callings in your life, I hope that you'll take time for yourself in the weeks after Easter. If you've been skipping too many sabbath days this year, double up on them in the coming weeks. And claim some of your vacation time -- you've more than earned it, and you probably need it.

I know that time away often seems to lead to more work, before and after. Some of that can't be avoided, but some probably can. Trust others to handle a few of your responsibilities. (If you preach regularly -- PLEASE use my after-Easter sermon one of these upcoming weeks.) And be creative. There may be ways that a group of ministers could "divide and conquer," sharing and splitting some work that could benefit every one you serve.

My prayer for you is that you recognize God's fullness of blessing for your times of rest, just as you know God's fullness of blessing for you times of work and ministry.