Written by Jackie Tinkler

In this always “on” world, we can  find it difficult to disconnect from our schedules to just be still and find refreshment wherever we are. Even God rested after His creative work was finished!

“God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!  It was evening, it was morning…Day six.  Heaven and Earth were finished, down to the last detail”  Genesis 1:31-2:1 The Message

What if we take a moment to notice that all is good and it’s okay, in fact it’s essential, to take a break?  Why do we feel as if we need to impress with our jam-packed calendars seven days a week?  Where has the balance gone in our lives?

I’m grateful God shows us how to take a break from anything that is too much.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3  NIV

Are you busy and scheduled, feeling the strain of an overloaded life? Take a break!  Lie down in those green pastures and let God bring refreshment from the pace of physical demands.

I remember recently being so “busy” working my day job and leading ministry teams at night and on the weekends, all without a day off.  I was so frustrated and tired that when my cell would ring or a text would come through, I would shout “Not today people!”  Seems I needed a break,  but I didn’t know how it would work.  I didn’t want to give up all of the good things I was doing and also felt like I needed to do those things, as if I didn’t have a choice.

Make the choice to let go of one thing that can create margin.

What about the days of extended rest or transition, where God is helping us to let go of something to make room for MORE.    We can wonder, “When will I be useful again?” or “When will that door of opportunity open?”  We’re stressed to get something working or make something happen.  It’s even on these days we need to remember what’s important.   Stop worrying about where your life is going, take a break and enjoy where you are.

Some of you may think, “I’m on a limited budget and can’t make a change to my work schedule,” or perhaps you’re committed to seeing a project or serve opportunity through.  How do we find time for a break then?   In all of these scenarios God will show us how to recharge.

“You see, it isn’t in the big busy stuff that we find true joy.  It’s in the little things of the here and now, where we find treasure; the quality of life we’re looking for.” ` Jackie Tinkler

As I share my truly fabulous simple list of ways to recharge, I pray you find your way back to the little things in life that fill your days and nights with joy.  Be blessed! Jackie xo

1. Nothing like a new set of sheets and a good night’s sleep.  (Check out Cynthia Rowley’s cute sheets on Amazon)

2. Sit in the sunshine for at least 15 minutes and take in some vitamin D.

3. Schedule at least two 15-minute break times during the day to disconnect from conversation, phone calls, computer time and social media.  Be still and know!

4. Buy yourself something (as my grandmother used to say!) ($20.00 or less)  a new lip color, costume jewelry, book, magazine, coffee/tea, plant, flowers or whatever you like.  Just for you!

5. Download a Bible app or sleep story (remember bedtime stories?) Put in your earbuds and take in the Word, pray and let the stress melt away.  https://abide.is/

6. Read a good book or novel; something that takes your mind off of “serious.”

7. Do something creative alone. (adult coloring books, paint, scrapbook)

8. Eat a gourmet pop tart and drink a hot cup of coffee or tea.   https://www.facebook.com/essentialbham/

9. Go on a day trip  where you can ride a bike, go for a jog or swim, cook outside, take a walk by the lake, feed the ducks, listen to the birds sing, sit in a rocking chair, play a game of checkers.

10. Spend time with those you love.  Invite friends and family over for a Sunday dinner and laugh a lot…I mean a lot!

Jackie Tinkler is the Co-Founder and Ministry Development Director of Something More and lives in Birmingham, Alabama.  She has been ministering to women for 20 years as a Women’s Ministry Director, Counselor and Producer.  She is co-writing a Women’s Small Group Study Something Beautiful and when not leading women to freedom can be found worshipping at her home church, Church of the Highlands, or on the hiking trail with her husband, Jim and their chocolate lab, Nelson, talking with their adult daughter Lauren, sitting in the balcony at the Alabama Theatre, or indulging in a coffee and pop tart at her favorite café.