R and R
- Details
- Created: Saturday, 02 June 2007 17:27
- Written by Tom Lipp
As I sat in the coffee shop inhaling that delicious aroma of roasted beans and sipping some fresh brew with one of my favourite clients (takes me out for coffee) I suddenly heard the message.
He didn’t even notice but the Holy Spirit spoke to me through him.
My client was speaking of his long, successful career in the oil patch and of his plans to take a significant job break in 2007. The Lord brought to mind the article I had written for that illustrious publication City Light News in March 1998 – wow almost ten year ago- entitled Sabbaticals Better than Early Retirement. “What about you Tom? You’re not getting any younger. When will you take a sabbatical? You advised others to do it; when will you practice what you preached?”“What about you Tom? You’re not getting any younger. When will you take a sabbatical? You advised others to do it; when will you practice what you preached?”
Some people call it a leave of absence. It’s done in academia and in the arts but what about the intense non-stop world of business?
But who will pay the mortgage and feed the kids?
My client and I spoke of some specific financial strategies and dates. On my way back to the office I began to think about this option for myself. Even though I have made a few career shifts, I have never taken a true sabbatical.
The concept of Sabbatical goes back to God himself. He rested on the seventh day – not that he needed a rest, but to enjoy his work (Genesis 2:2). Wow what an idea! Step back and celebrate creation. God re-enforced this style of work when he supplied ordinary manna for five days and then injected the sixth day manna with a one day preservative (non-toxic of course) so that his children could rest and focus on knowing God. The seven day cycle was initiated at creation, reinforced in the Ten Commandments and demonstrated by God himself as he took care of his children in their time of vulnerability.
OK you say, that’s fine for a week but what about a whole year?
“But if you say, ‘What are we going to eat on the seventh year if we do not sow or reap our crops?’ Then I will so order My blessing for you in the sixth year that will bring forth the crop for three (emphasis added) years” Lev. 25.20I was surprised to read in the Bible that the business cycle was God’s idea long before economists started watching trends. We discover by reading Leviticus 25 that God even commanded a partial Sabbath every seven years. It was not a complete rest from all activity but only from working the land. The flocks still needed tending. Only farming was verboten.
Now for those who say it can’t be done the Lord has a few choice words. “But if you say, ‘What are we going to eat on the seventh year if we do not sow or reap our crops?’ Then I will so order My blessing for you in the sixth year that will bring forth the crop for three (emphasis added) years” (vs. 20).
I can guarantee you won’t find this in the economics texts or the popular financial press. Imagine an invisible deity with blessing power able to both direct and defy the laws of the marketplace. How utterly ridiculous! You might as well believe in Santa Claus and Mother Goose. God may have made the universe but he really doesn’t understand or intervene in North American’s financial lives, does he? Besides, how can you trust someone you can’t see?
Alas, I know that it’s much easier to live by sight than by faith, but even the North American pagans are finding out retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
The Calgary Herald printed a story April 21, 2007 about a Canadian travel company with a program called Career Break geared to workers who want to quit their job, take a vacation or leave of absence and put some meaning into their travel, rather than simply lounging on the beach. They are on the right track but need to go further.
It’s not new but somehow got lost in the process of industrialization and then obliterated in our weird wacky world (www) of 24-7 everything.
In April this year, Centre Street Church Calgary sponsored a seminar given by Lloyd Reed entitled Halftime based on the concept of resting half way through a football game. In Canada hockey players get two breaks in a three period game. Sports have got it right. What about the business world?
It’s not new but somehow got lost in the process of industrialization and then obliterated in our weird wacky world (www) of 24-7 everything. Nothing stops anymore! Is that God’s design? I think not.
Enough already… here goes. Don’t expect me in the office from Victoria Day May 21 to Remembrance Day November 11th. Time to field test it personally.
Visit with grandma- vacation in Europe–bike with the kids- landscape the backyard- read good books- write for fun-diarize messages from my Master- have lots of rest and recreation- come back refreshed!
