Calgon, take me away! When do I get a break? How can I get away to be refreshed? I can’t take weekends off! I tell my friends why I don’t own a boat…because I work every weekend. My ministerial life revolves around Wednesday and Sunday. I don’t work a regular 8 to 5 job, Monday through Friday. My TGIF is thank God I’m forgiven.
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. Luke 8:22. Jesus recognized the fact that he needed to get away. He and his disciples needed a short break from the throngs of people. He said, “Hey, let’s take a break, let’s get away. Dr. Vance Havner was quoted to have said, “Pastors, if you don’t come apart, you will fall apart”. We all need some time of respite and relaxation. We all need time to get refocused and revived.
The story goes the rookie tree feller cut down more trees than anybody on his first day on the job. He arrived early and stayed late chopping down trees. He even worked through his lunch hour while everyone else was resting in the shade. When Friday came, he was called in and fired. He was indignant and angry over this news, Why he asked? His supervisor stated, “Do you know what the rest of the crew was doing on their lunch hour while you were chopping down trees? No, he replied. They were sitting in the shade, eating their lunch, resting their arms and sharpening their axes. When is the last time you sharpened you axe? Not all week, I’ve been too bust cutting down trees. Pastor, don’t become so busy oiling the machine, you forget to take time to find rest for yourself. Your congregation needs you to be as sharp as you can.
Pastor Fred Harrold has served as a Pastor for over 25 years. He serves today as a Co-Pastor at One Accord Church in Plant City Florida. He and wife Cindy have been happily married for over 30 years. He is know as a great expositor and teacher.
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