Posts for My Graduate #4

The fourth commandment is “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). The explanation for this rule is that God worked six days, then rested on the seventh day setting it apart as holy. God didn’t rest because he was tired. God rested to set an example for us. When we pause to rest and reflect, we are reminded that we are not “self made men.” We work in cooperation with God’s plans and purposes for us in life. But in rest we are reminded that “every good and perfect gift comes from above” (James 1:17).

In school we learned about setting margins and properly using margins when writing papers. A professor in one of my doctoral seminars had a reputation for using a ruler when grading papers to make sure that submissions had “legal margins.” Margins make the paper readable. They help the eye move easily along the page. But some people live their lives like papers written single space without margins. They fill their lives with so much activity that they have no room for rest and reflection. They forget that we are human BEings, not human DOings.

So take a break. Learn to say no. Prioritize according to your convictions. I believe it’s better to do nothing than to do something you don’t believe in. Rest and reflect. Creativity does not come from margin-less living. Time is the most precious commodity we possess. Plan how you will use it, or someone else will. Above all, make time for God. When you spend time with God you will be reminded of his greatness and his blessings. And you’ll become aware of his help every day.