NextGen Now - Need a Spring Brake?

In a recent conversation with CBWC youth pastors, I heard how full and hectic life in ministry has become once again. Spring Break may be already filled with mission trips, youth events, etc. but I'm hopeful that you are also able to take at least a day or two (or even a few hours) to intentionally slow down. You'll be so grateful you did. Here are a few practices that you might want to try:

1) Go for a long walk in a straight line - Find somewhere in your community where you can walk a long distance while making minimal turns and encountering few distractions. This practice is a fantastic way to help your mind slow down.

2) Leave your phone alone - For 24 or 36 or 48 hours, turn off your phone and disconnect. Worried about an emergency? Change your voicemail to a message letting people know how to contact you if it's urgent.

3) Journal a prayer or two (or 20) - Writing prayers by hand slows us down and forces us to focus on each word we're bringing to our Father. And don't worry, if God can read my handwriting, He can read yours.

4) Cook something time consuming - In our fast food world, find a recipe that takes the better part of a day to prepare. Use interesting ingredients and learn new cooking techniques...enjoy the process.

5) Read something(s) fiction - It can be tempting to see Spring Break as an opportunity to read the next great book on "How to effectively minister to left-handed fourteen year old girls.” Consider reading or re-reading a great story, and if you're feeling guilty, remember no one loved stories more than Jesus.

6) Phone a long lost friend - Time can be the biggest reason why we avoid reconnecting with our best friends. Pick one or two of them and schedule a time for a long phone call. You'll be glad you did.

7) Encounter the Bible in a new way - In ministry, the Bible can become nothing more than a tool, a textbook, a resource to support our teaching. Take time this Spring Break to read it in a fresh way by choosing an unfamiliar translation and/or try reading using a version without verse and chapter headings.