I was able to do more once I started doing this one thing…
This past Sunday, I visited my parents’ house. Before I even arrived, I already knew what both my parents would be doing. My mom would be relaxing on the couch watching T.V. and my dad would be in the garage or in the backyard working on some type of household project. As far back as I could remember, my dad was always working on something. He would work his regular ‘9–5’ job Monday through Friday, just to get to the weekends to work on more projects; it was never-ending with him. It was a mentality that was embed in him since he was young and he passed it along to me. He would always say, “God only helps those that help themselves, so you better work hard.” I arrived at my parents house and sure enough, my dad was in the garage waxing his car. Sweat was pouring down his face and I could tell he’d been at it all day. I sat down and he began to tell me all of the things he’s been doing since he woke up. Midway through his proclamation, I stopped him and asked him this one question, “Do you ever stop?”
It’s so easy to be busy, especially when you’re getting results from the things you do. But do you ever stop? One of the things I’ve learned throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, is the importance of family. Being quarantined at home for weeks has given me a greater appreciation and love for my family. I am so much like my dad. If given the opportunity, I will work until I’m forced to stop. I can recall myself working to the point of exhaustion; to the point where I don’t have anything left to give myself or my family. But once I learned to stop and rest, that was a GAME CHANGER for me. I’ve made it a point that Sunday’s would be our day of rest. I actually call it RRR day (Rest. Relaxation. Recharge.)We don’t work AT ALL. We don’t do laundry, dishes, make beds, nothing! It’s actually one of the hardest things for me; as a matter of fact, it gives me real anxiety. But it’s a mentality that I’m developing that helps me to turn off my mind and unplug (literally and figuratively). If you think about it, from the moment we wake up, our minds and our hands are active. Tty this for a second, sit still and quiet for 30 seconds. OK GO…………. How difficult was it? Were you able to do it? This is really our goal for Sundays; we want to recharge our minds, hearts, and bodies.
Picture this… Two people in the woods trying to chop down a tree. Person one swings and swings and swings and never stops. Eventually this person is going to burn out and not be able to finish. While person two takes time often to stop and sharpen his or her axe. This person will be more effective and will be able to last the long haul. So I want to challenge you today to mark out some time for RRR. You’ll realize how much more you’ll be able to do, if you start doing less.
