After worship tomorrow (10:15 am at Pennington Presbyterian Church! Come on out) I am heading out for a week away with the family. I have had a busy and full summer.
Mission trip to NYC working with urban ministries and immigration advocates. Amazing week! And a Footsteps of Paul tour to Greece and Turkey with a group from our church and a couple of other local congregations. Thrown in a few funerals and pre wedding counseling, all while managing some autoimmune stuff, I’m pretty exhausted.
I don’t like to miss training, but my body is telling me to take a break too. My finger is healing alright but I have aches and pains all over.
And today I had a visit from and old friend
I haven’t had a stinger in over 25 years. I had a couple playing football when I was younger. I got knocked in the head today during training. Not terribly hard, but I saw stars and had an instant headache. As I stood up for the next skill I started to feel nauseous and my left arm went totally numb. I finished the class and decided not to do live training.
So, as much as I love training and especially live training, the 46 year of couch warrior is taking a break without feeling like I’m missing out.
I love this perspective. Even earlier this summer when I missed time due to travel and work I felt like I was falling behind and missing out. This time I’m kind of excited to let the body heal a bit and come back with a bit of renewal.
I guess this mirrors the idea of sabbath.
I love the people at my church. I spent my day off playing golf with two guys from church who are key our church being a place of welcome and I had so much fun. It was a gift to be included in their days off and I left the course energized. I usually do not say yes to things on Fridays but I’m so glad I did. Even with such life-giving experiences I am glad to be taking a week away. I’m tired physically and emotionally. I can’t wait to laugh and play with my kids and have great conversations with my wife. And to break away and listen to God in a different rhythm. Sabbath.
If I can get a little preachy… I would say to people: work hard. Do things that challenge you and extend you beyond your places of comfort. Serve others until you get tired. And then break away for time to rest and listen. This rhythm of work and rest is a sustainable rhythm. It brings life and growth. Once again my time in the mats informs my life as a pastor! Thanks BJJ and Thanks be to God for every good and perfect gift.
See you in a week!!
RevJitsu 