September 7, 2024
It’s been written that Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, once hired an expert to gauge the efficiency of his company. A few weeks later, the man presented a very positive report, except for one thing. “It’s that man down the hall,” the expert reported. “Every time I go by his office he’s just sitting there with his feet on his desk. He’s wasting your money.” “That man,” answered Ford, “once had an idea that saved us millions of dollars. At that time, I believe his feet were planted right where they are now.”
I can’t claim landing upon any multi-million dollar ideas lately, yet I have had a little more time to prop up my feet. At sixty-five and semi-retired, my life is far less busy than it used to be. Truth be told, the transition has not been easy. I was a full-time senior pastor for thirty years, cruising along in a rhythm of activity and opportunity.
Then things changed. I’m learning that my identity should be based on Christ in me rather than what I’m doing for Him. It occurs to me that countless people, victimized by their hamster-wheel, “burning the candle at both ends” lifestyles, would love to spend some time in my world.
The Word tells us, “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NASB). The thought is that rather than spinning and sputtering in our own strength, we should yield to the Holy Spirit who lives in us. God is willing to go into battle on our behalf, if only we submit to Him.
Jesus said it like this: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NASB). In Christ, we can cease from our labors, sharpen our wits, recover our strength, and renew our spirits.
Even God Himself rested. As Scripture says, “By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all the work which He had done” (Genesis 2:2 NASB). God didn’t do this because He was tired, but rather to reveal that His creation was complete. And, to model for mankind the cessation of normal activity on this special day of blessing. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for rest in Genesis 2:2 is sabat, from which comes the word sabbath - a day set aside to cease from labor and focus on worshiping God.
Long distance hikers take what they call a “zero” day from time to time. It’s called zero because they take a break from the trail, choosing instead to take a rest, go into town, resupply, dodge bad weather, recuperate from an illness, or get a hot meal.
If you find yourself bogged down in the grind of life, take a zero day. Go off-grid. Find solitude. Stay off of your phone. Spend extended time in prayer. You may not come up with any earth-shaking discoveries, yet the refreshment and renewed outlook will make it well worth your time.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
