For most of my life the phrase 'time-out' meant that the game, whichever sport it happened to be, would be momentarily halted. Sometimes this would be a welcomed interruption and at other times this signaled an unwanted break in the action.
Upon entering the age of parenting, I learned about another use for 'time-out.' While it never really worked with my children, they were way too creative to allow sitting alone stymie their spirits, it was effective for some. I begin to see that taking a time-out isn't a bad practice even for me. In fact, there is something inviting about stepping out of the action for a moment.
As clergy, we seem to hold the distant hope that the summer will be a season in the church when some of the activities 'slow down' a bit and we can take a time-out. Visions of taking a vacation or stepping aside to simply 'catch our breath' dance in our heads. The visions seem to depart as quickly as they came with the rush of children on the opening day of Vacation Bible School or the numerous church picnics, cookouts and family events. And of course there are the continual needs that arise in the lives of those within our span of care. What is one to do?
I hope that you will be able to 're-create' during this summer season. I've always liked that word. The essence of re-creation does indeed include a time of fun and frolicking with family and friends but the potential goes as deep as a refreshing of the soul. Most certainly as pastors, chaplains and counselors we need refreshing. We must be intentional about making this happen.
Don't wait around to hear a whistle that signals a time-out, a time that you can catch your breath or get a drink of water, because it's not likely to happen. Fact is, if we are about the work of God, we don't want everything to come to a halt. Life will go on and the Kingdom will increase in spite of our re-creational activities. Take a time-out, your family will love you for it and your church will appreciate it.
