Time-outs

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"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."  Mark 6:31.  NKJV

A time-out can be classed as a break; a cessation from toil; a time for refreshment and an intermission. This time-out may be instituted by a sports official or someone who is in charge of a particular piece of work that we are doing. Basically, it is a short break from work or play. Children have these at school; workers have tea breaks and such. It is a time where for a few moments, we can re-group, re-focus, gather our thoughts and regain our energy. Time-outs are essential in one's very busy day.

Jesus recognised this when He called His disciples aside to have a short rest. They had not even had the time to eat, let alone think things through. Working at this pace can be a recipe for Burnout. According to the World Health Organisation, Burnout is now a  legitimate Medical Diagnosis, although it can be argued that it falls closely into the category of stress. Basically, Burnout is when a person is not coping well with their job or situation. Tiredness, irritability, depression and lack of concentration can be factors of this condition. However, my intention here is not to attempt to give out medical diagnosis where I'm not qualified to do so. My quest is to point a person in the right direction to attempt to avoid this condition.

Jesus recognised the dangers of taking too much on. This is why He advised His disciples against the perils of missing out on rest and not eating their meals properly. This is a big concern in our society today. Many families don't even sit at a table to eat together any more. Preference is given to having their meal on their knees while they watch TV. Some people grab a sandwich or something else that will satisfy the hunger pangs for a time. One only has to watch some of the police dramas on the TV to get an idea of how the stars demonstrate how busy they are and manage to eat at their desks while they write reports, talk on the telephone or dash in the car to some crime scene, burger in hand. It really does nothing to promote healthy eating and it certainly does nothing to recommend having a rest before they go any further.

Our health is most important. God wants us healthy. Many people are giving in to bad health because they just do not take care of themselves. Some people are overweight and yet do very little by way of exercise. Others burn the midnight oil watching endless movies and then struggle to get up and get through the next day. Diets are ignored. Illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes are on the increase. Strokes, heart attacks and other life threatening illnesses are a risk because we are just not listening to what Jesus told us. We need to take time out. We need to rest; We need to eat properly and at regular times. We also need to get plenty of sleep.

God wants you well. He wants you fit and healthy. He wants to use you - yes you! But things in your life need to change. There needs to be a more stricter schedule in order to reach the place Jesus wants you to be. We only have one life. It is far better to live it to the full, don't you agree?

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard 

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com