Our days are filled with countless demands and responsibilities. And many are good things that bring deep meaning and satisfaction to our lives. But our souls often still struggle with the relentless pace of life, and our bodies are generally not doing much better either. We must regularly take time to just breathe.
To be sure, we don’t have to look far to find many immature and lazy men who look to others to do for them rather than standing on their own two feet. And we don’t want to drop the ball on our obligations, especially when others are depending on us. But this doesn’t mean we should live as if the weight of the world is constantly on our shoulders.
Taking time to breathe is a daily reminder to let go of all the things that concern us to find our place once again in the sufficiency of God’s grace. Apart from him we can do nothing. And we just grow increasingly frustrated and depleted when we try.
Of course, we’re still called to work hard, and not every season gives us the luxury to take time off and rest as much as we might like. Taking time to breathe is a micropractice. While certainly it can be longer, it starts with just a moment or two surrendering all the things our heart and minds are carrying back to God. And it’s the cumulative effect that feeds our souls.
We risk burnout, becoming ineffective, and, more importantly, our life with God when we don’t regularly take a few moments just to be.
In the end, work hard to accomplish all the good God has called you to do. And remember to take time just to breathe – renewing your body, soul, and spirit.
Photo by Bala Karthikeya Pavan Guda on Unsplash
