#5 – I didn’t take enough time off

I took 2 days off in the first 6 months of our church plant: Christmas day and New Year’s day.  The only reason I did was because everything was closed.  While I had outide employment until the 7th month of our church, every moment I wasn’t "bringing home the bacon" was spent doing church related things.  I kept that pace for about 3 years until I hit a wall.  I wasn’t sure if I could continue in ministry because I was so tired and fried.  At that moment I realized a change needed to take place.  So I have started to take breaks at regular intervals and it has helped greatly.  I wish I could say that I have mastered this, but I’m working hard to rest more.  I’ve realized that a tired pastor is of no use to anyone.  But when I get away, I am filled with energy and ideas and can’t wait to get back.  Plus, it keeps the focus that I’m in this for the long haul.  This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.