1- Sabbath is important. So important. - Church life can be so busy. I knew that but I had no idea just how busy. I have discovered that sabbath is essential to long-term thriving and loving of one's call into ministry.
2- When horning sabbath, honor yourself - I am really bad (yes, I am admitting this- all mentors, please insert a clap for me here!) at masking things I do on my sabbath day as being for me when in reality the baking of cookies for sunday or the scheduling of confirmation is something that would bring me more joy another time. I have learned that in horning sabbath you must honor yourself and that in horning yourself you are not being rude or arrogant but realizing the depth of God's love for you.
3- Say no. Sometimes you just have to say no! This is by far the most difficult lesson that I continually have to learn and re-learn but is slowly sinking in. I am learning that in saying no I have more time to live in my call and passions and that in living into my calling and passions I am brining joy to God.
4- Plans do not always go like you plan- I love color coordinated calendars and schedules but have had to throw them out the door in the church, for the most part. Life happens and is messy and crazy and beautiful and sometimes when it is too scheduled you miss the grace God is offering.
5- EXERCISE. Everyone needs to move around and do something different and good and get some endorphins. This is a good lesson.
6- STAY IN TOUCH- stay in touch with family and friends and let them know they are still so important to you. You are to them too. STAY IN TOUCH. Keep the norms you can- they can change and that is beautiful too. (Thankful for my dear friends!!!)
7- Do not be so serious- life is too serious and sometimes you just need to let go of the busy and over scheduled day in favor of fun - long lunch with coworkers, jokes at work, visiting kids at school and more!
8- REST - there is always work to do. ALWAYS, so do not get so caught up in the details, take time to rest. It is good for you
9- Do what you love- I have found a space to share what I love and to find ways to live into my call by doing what i love and am ever thankful for this on the good and the bad days. Do what you love and waking up for work will not be something to be dreaded (Expect on mondays, ek!) but something to be celebrated
10- do not over schedule- do what you do and do it well, do not add too much but take time to know the needs of your church or ministry and to hone in on them and to make them good, and sustainable and lay-people led. This is real ministry and it is BEAUTIFUL to watch it unfold.
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