Beginning June 1st I will be on vacation for the next 3 weeks.  I have come to appreciate time away from ministry much more as the years have rolled on.  This year marks the 24th year in ministry for me.  I never used to understand the significance of balance and rest when I was younger.  Now, I see it as an absolute necessity.  I have come to understand that I cannot be the man of God that the church needs me to be; can’t be the husband or father my family needs me to be without it.  My family loves these times.  My children tell me how wonderful it is to not have to share me with anyone.  The “pastor hat” comes off and I get to be 100% dad for awhile. I get to make new memories with my family that are priceless and I will treasure for a lifetime.

God uses these times to replenish me.  I never realize just how tired I am until I step away.  I run on adrenaline way too much.  When it stops pumping through my veins, I feel exhausted for several days.  These are times for me to relax at a level that is simply impossible during the course of the year.  These are holy days for me.  They are times when I truly get to “be still and know that He is God.”

It is a strange thing being a pastor.  It is one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life, yet it is also the hardest and most exhausting thing I have ever done as well.  I have stopped feeling guilty for taking time off.  I admit I used to feel this way.  God has set me free from this.  This time is needed; it’s necessary, it’s even commanded in Scripture.  I am convinced all of us would be a lot more healthier if we heeded the command of God to embrace “Sabbath rests” more often.  In our culture we value productivity not rest.  I choose to embrace both!

May God bless all of you this summer.  May you embrace the rest God wants you to have…even commands you to have.  Please pray for me and my family as we enjoy some much needed time together.   See you all in 3 weeks!

Pastor Dale