I have taken Fridays off for almost 25 years. It’s true that sometimes my day “off” can get taken up with some kind of church activity. But over the long haul, Friday has been my day to unstring the bow. My Sabbath, if you will.
Saturdays don’t really count for a full day off for me because my brain and heart are all taken up with being ready for Sunday. From Saturday afternoon on, no matter what else I am involved in, I’m thinking, praying, gearing up for the biggest day of my week. If you haven’t had the pressure of having to deliver the goods every Sunday you wouldn’t understand. Every pastor knows what I’m talking about, though.
Some pastors take Mondays off. I’ve taken Fridays because it occasionally gives me the feel like I have something like an actual two day weekend. Plus, I probably would’ve quit on many Mondays if I had too much time on my hands so it’s better to get my brain engaged.
I love the feel of my Friday mornings. No pressure to get up at any time; easy, slow moving in the morning; reading my Bible with no place to have to go; just relaxed. A cup of coffee on my front porch. Ahhh, the chance to move slow.
My personality makes me want to start working on Friday mornings – but, at least today, on this Friday – I’m choosing to be “off”.
I think it makes my “on” better
5 comments
That's true.
Posted on August 1, 2008 at 4:07 PM
I had my dad visiting this past week- and I was happy to watch him visibly relax, and laugh- and get completely caught up in your message.
You were so at ease and comfortable in your own skin- so obviously enjoying your congregation. Your spontaneity helped everyone shake off a week of "uptight".... thanks for reminding my dad how much fun God can be.
Your on just keeps getting better... keep on takin off!
Posted on August 5, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I would like to thankyou. Through your messages over the past year I have been encouraged to fullfill a dream that I have had for 11 years! I am going to college! I applied to AB Tech today and will begin taking classes August 18th! Thankyou for taking Fridays "off" to be "on" for Sundays!!
Posted on August 5, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Yaaaaaaaaaaay Becky!
Posted on August 9, 2008 at 6:27 PM
Thanks for always reminding us to do the same thing...take "off" to be "on." Yes - it is sooooo easy to get caught up in "the dailies" and lose out on the precious time of re-charging. It's "off" with a purpose - like recharging your cell phone...there's still power going TO it, but it's "give out" is given a rest so it can be "on" when you need it.
Well, whatever your "off" is for, it certainly is blowing the roof off on Sundays, and the REST of us are COMPLETELY charged!
Posted on August 12, 2008 at 7:15 AM