Let’s face it, life can flat our wear us down, can’t it! It’s true for everyone, but especially for the go-getter, fast-paced, action-oriented, get-er-done types like me! That’s why I’m going offline for a few days.
In the last five years I’ve…
- Pastored a new and growing next generation congregation
- Parented three growing boys (now age 10, 8, 5)
- Coached various football and basketball teams
- Spoken at various retreats, conferences, and been a guest speaker at area churches
- Started and finished a D.Min. degree (click HERE to read about it)
- And lots of other stuff!
I confess that through the busy-ness I haven’t always shut down, rested, recharged, or listened carefully enough to the Holy Spirit. That’s why I’m going offline. I need to recharge and renew my body and soul.
Here’s a resource I recommend reading…
On June 30th Margaret Feinberg wrote a great post that inspired me: Why I’m Logging Off and Shutting Down, check it out HERE.
And HERE is her follow up post, What a Week Off Social Media Can Do For You . These are great lessons we can all learn from! Thanks Margaret!
Heading Into the Woods
My wife and I had already planed a backpacking trip for this week. But after reading Margaret’s post I was inspired to unplug and go offline completely. I have nothing in my Buffer, no Tweets, no Facebook, silence for the next few days.
Laura and I LOVE backpacking. We’ve been taking youth and adults from our church for the past 10+ years. It’s always challenging and painful! But it’s pain with a purpose!
However, we have never taken a trip alone, just the two of us. We’re embarking on a HUGE faith journey in the months to come, so this is a much needed retreat away to talk and pray and listen to God together.
We’re heading into the Shenandoah National Park for four days and three nights. We will hike 30+ miles. Our hiking will expose us to some of the park’s more beautiful scenery (including Old Rag mountain). We will see beautiful water falls, lush forest and wild flowers, and awesome mountain peaks and valleys.
After we get back I’ll share more about our experience. I’ll also share more about our upcoming faith journey.
That’s it for now. This is Ed Choy logging off! Thanks for reading and may God richly bless your week, as I pray He blesses ours!
Good for you guys! As somebody that enjoys your posts I selfishly can’t wait for you to be back online.
Thank you for those encouraging words! I’m honored and blessed to be an encouragement to you!
I applaud this wisdom. Shabbat Shalom–may you find wholeness in your resting.
Thanks for your comment Troy! It was a wonderful time of wholeness and Shalom in the wilderness with my wife!
I just finished being off Facebook and Instagram, my two biggest areas of distraction for 4 days. I felt different inside for sure.
That’s GREAT Luis, thank you for sharing! And thank you for your comments!
More people in Ministry or life in general could take your lead. Enjoy Gods nature and be refreshed in all ways
Thank you for your comment Brian! I’m taking the lead of others. There does seem to be a trend for leaders to unplug more. I hope to make it a regular discipline!
Ed, that sounds like an amazing place and way to unplug! Can’t wait to hear what God taught you during this time.
Thank you for your inspiration Margaret! It was a GREAT week offline!
My problem with logging off is that I use it as a promotional tool for my library where I work as well as my volunteer work in the arts plus the personal. Seems like promotion breaks down without a steady stream. Thoughts?
Irm, that’s a great question and a challenge for more and more of us. Wisdom is required, for sure, to know the difference between taking “Sabbath-like” periods of rest and reflection and foolishly missing opportunities.
You might consider taking short breaks offline, maybe an hour here and there. Block out times to completely log off and reflect, rest, and restore your strength. Work hard when it’s time to work and promote, but trust God, and leave the results to Him.
What do you think?