13 February 2006

Monday is a good day to breathe...

The nature of my job is such that Sunday can be a pretty long, pretty intense day. Yesterday as an example: I got to work a little before 6:00am. Non-stop until about 12:30pm. Got a 45 minute break. Went back to work until 4:15pm. Got a 15 minute break. Went back to work until almost 6:30pm.

Please don't misunderstand: I love what I do, even on the intense days. It's good stuff that comes with the prospect of being reasonably helpful for the folks whom I serve and reasonably faithful to the God I love. So I can live with that.

Plus...it makes Monday (with its usually much less frantic pace) a real joy. While most people complain about another start to the work week, I get to smile and take a few deep breaths. It's a chance to read and think...a chance to plan for the next six days...a chance for prayer and reflection...maybe even (like today) a chance for lunch with the Mrs. It probably doesn't technically qualify as Sabbath time. I am still at work. But it comes pretty close.

God had the right idea when he took a day off each week. And he had the right idea when he commanded that we mortal creatures should do the same thing. I hope you're heeding that command. Believe it or not, it's for your own good. Sure...it means you might have to put aside some overtime and maybe delay the purchase of that new (insert name of object you're lusting after here). But you might actually live long enough to enjoy it more...if you can only find a good day to breathe.