Last December I finished my Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling. As I attained that degree, I was taken aback by one of the courses that talked in-depth about time management. In that course, I learned a great deal. They had wonderful tidbits from pioneers like Stephen Covey who has been a stalwart in the time management realm since the mid-nineties. Covey’s research comprised the basis of his 1989 self-help book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Excerpts from this book were required reading in the course, but that is not what made an impact on my time management or my personal wellness.
One of the precepts of the course focused on how effectively you plan your day, week, month, and year. How you should only plan ninety percent of your time to allow for those “unexpected” demands on your time. The one thing that blew my mind was based on the intentionality of not just blocking off “wellness time” for you and your family time, but actually putting it on your schedule and considering it as important as that high-priority project that is occupying the lion’s share of your schedule.
This was very hard for me. But I have found that “Me Time” is just as important to our spiritual well-being and health as anything else we could do. Jesus Himself had time devoted to His wellness. Jesus chose to remove himself from the company of His disciples often when he was praying to our Father in Heaven. In prayer and isolation, Jesus found peace and respite time removed from the hustle and bustle of His growing ministry. He was intentional in taking this time … just as we need to be. I have taken a call in the last month and I am in transition to re-launching a church that has not worshipped in over four years. Life is crazy hectic. Living in two different states has made life a challenge. But in the most trying of times, I now know that my wellness cannot be sacrificed. It must be intentional. It must be a priority. It could be as simple as taking a walk and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.
Our Lord Jesus says this in Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [1] Don’t let those words fail to hit their mark as it pertains to our wellness. He is the source of all that is … even our wellness and our “Me Time.”
Blessings,
Rev. Gary R. Pomrenke
Pastor – New Hope Lutheran Church
Chesterfield, VA
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 11:28–30.