Before I left Bowmanville and St Paul's a wise colleague with a sense of humour gave me a little book called Jesus' Day Off. Here is the description:
Jesus worked hard to make the world beautiful. He performed miracles, told fabulous stories - all for free - and generally spent his time spreading joy and light around the world. A tiring business, as Jesus had to admit when, one day, he had trouble getting out of bed. And worse - the miracles start to go wrong! But help is at hand. 'Take the day off, Jesus,' said the doctor. 'Relax. Have some fun!' So Jesus had some fun - but was it worth it? Dad, as usual, has the answer!
This may sound a little irreverent and I suppose it is, although I would say that it is "playfully profound." Those of us in ministry aren't Jesus, but as his posse we can lose our perspective about our indispensability. Sometimes we end up on the scrap heap, temporarily or permanently. In a very turbulent climate for organized religion it can be difficult to know what are the priorities of ministry and this can lead to what we sometimes call burn-out. What can also happen is the loss of joy and fulfillment for pastors, even though we are supposedly in the abundant life business, as I am inclined to say. It is startling how quietly resentful many ministers become about demands and expectations.
In the book Jesus is renewed and recovers his sense of playfulness, and God,"Dad," is pleased. My wise friend was reminding me that if it good enough for Jesus...As I return to work officially today after a number of weeks off I know I need to be committed to balance. That balance will include both a prayerful and mission-oriented ministry, as well as a meaningful life away from my daily labours. "Dad" wouldn't want it any other way.
What are your thoughts about this?
Even cheerleaders can't be cheery all the time...of course you need a break from the expectations and demands... we all do from time to time. We can't work 24/7 and not suffer burnout so we step back, take a breath and gain some perspective on our life, our jobs and our spirtual well being. It just happens that your daily labours/job/ministry are all part of your overall spirtual well being and can't be put into compartments or separated, they overlap and that must be hard for ministers to deal with, I am sure it must be blurred and fuzzy lines. All the best on your "official back to work" week, hope it goes well.
ReplyDeleteIt is very necessary for clergy to take "re-creation" time and do what is fun for you - to keep a good balance - some of the issues clergy have to deal with are WAY above and beyond what the average person is faced with ... of course, the church members are responsible for involving themselves in the mission and ministry as well ... put it to us ! (and make it fun if you can !)
ReplyDeletePS - those kayaks on your vehicle look like a great way to escape and have fun!
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