As important as productivity is, it is equally important to take time out to rest and recoup. There are few things that are as hard for Americans as stopping work, especially during this information age.

Perhaps the fact that I’m typing this blog entry while the Pacific Ocean waves are roaring in the background is proof that I’m not good at resting. Therefore, this will be an abreviated entry.

During times of stress, it is impossible to rest adequately. Work, by its very nature is stressful. This is the reason why the Lord prescribed time off. One day a week and many feast days.

Not everyone will be fortunate to go to a Pacific Island paradise to rest, but even walking away from the job during lunch may bring about the needed break that will relieve stress.

When I was a full-time housewife, I found that I had to purposefully leave my home to get the break I needed. I would pack a lunch and drive to a beach 20 or 30 miles away. I’d sit, read and eat my picnic meal. One day a week, I left for four or five hours.

I found that the traffic bothered me while driving to my seculded spot on the ocean. I had a difficult time NOT speeding. I was tense and on the verge of anger.

However, on the drive back, it was a different story. I had to concentrate to DO the speed limit. The traffic was fine. Nothing seemed to bother me.

I realized during those times how much I needed breaks and time out. I saw God’s wisdom in commanding us to “be still and know that I am God.”