Snow days and taking a break

Hopefully, when you read this, the weather will be much nicer than it is today. The town seems to be in an almost standstill mode. The sleet is coming down and snow is still expected. But being Missouri, we will probably be walking in a bunch of mud by Sunday. One can never tell.

The one thing about snow days is that for many folks it becomes a time of rest. I know, our first responders and highway workers are putting in the extra hours getting the roads clear. But for those who don’t have to go to work, snow days can be a true blessing.

Quite frankly, we all need down time now and again. There are no less than 6 references in the Gospel to Jesus and the disciples taking some down time. For them it was a time of rest and reset. For Jesus in particular, it was a time of communing with his father. Jesus knew the importance of taking a break.

Everyone needs to take a break. Regardless of your occupation, or even if you are retired, you still need to get some time away from the world. Pastors and care givers need to get away every once in a while. Teachers need the summer break and periodic break during the school year, just to recharge. First responders and emergency personnel cannot function without some kind of real break.

I share this with you because I would like for you to take advantage of the times God gives you to take a break. Even children and students need some down time. I believe snow days are gifts that God gives many people to just slow down.

Now, one of the things that Jesus and the disciples did during their down time was to focus on God. This too is an important part of following Christ. Taking time out opens opportunities to focus more on God. Taking time away from the world gets rid of the noise that disrupts our call to serve God.

So, how did you spend the snow day, or did you? If you missed out, don’t worry, this is Missouri, there will be weather related rests coming. But if you did not take advantage of the down time, might I suggest next time to plan on it.

No, you cannot plan on the weather, but you can set up activities to do while you are homebound. At our house we set up a jigsaw puzzle and work on it. Many people have projects they do with the family. Crafts are always a good thing. The point is, use the down time to just relax.

However, It is also important to make some if not all of the down time God’s time. God is not one for waste. Thus, if you have quiet time, or down time, then make it God’s time. And don’t begrudge the ones who are working during the storms their down time. The human body and

mind is not equipped to be at emergency alert 24/7. Help your first responders, highway workers and utility workers get their down time. They need it.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.