I'm not sure when it started for me, but it definitely happened. I feel like I always need to be doing something.

• Send a text or an email.
• Visit someone sick or shut in.
• Make a hospital call.
• Writ a blog post.
• Record a podcast episode.
• Return a call.
• Work on a project.
• Start a project.
• Finish a project.
• Plan.
• Read another book.
• Pray more.
• Study the Bible better.
• Write in my journal.
• There must be something or someone that needs to be done or who needs me.....

A day off, when I really felt unplugged, is a distant memory. Even a good vacation holds the feeling that I should be doing something else and when I get back, I'll be behind in "my" work.

This week between Christmas and New Year's Day is an odd week.

People are not working as much and a slower pace seems right. Being busy, for a change, feels wrong. 

I googled it to see what others are calling it.  An online site called Mirror listed a few names starting with Twixtmas. "In Norway. They call it Romjul or mellomjul, which basically means the period between Christmas and New Year...  Other names include, 'Nothing you do this week counts.' 'The void.' 'What day is it?'"

I decided to call it, "'Let me do something,' God said."

While there are lazy people in the world that need to get moving in 2024, I bet none of them are reading this blog post.

You are in Care Ministry and you ALWAYS have something to do.

So, we need this odd week to help us adjust our perspective and pace as we head into a New Year. This year during this weird week, I even got the miserable cold virus that is going around. I had to be still and rest to get better so I can travel to see the family out West. And it felt so good.

Being still helps us adjust to the correct perspective.

Sickness and injuries, over the years have been times that interrupted my busyness. When I'm sick, injured, like the week between Christmas and New Years, I don't feel guilty resting.  What makes the rest so valuable is it reminds me that I am not the Savior. It isn't all up to me. I've have not hear an audible voice, but in my soul I feel the Lord reminding me, "This is my work. Let me do something."

When I injured my back and couldn't work and when I was laid up for a month after my cancer surgery, I experienced a healing that went beyond my body. There was the realization that it God works and I am privileged beyond measure to be called to participate in a significant, yet very small part of His work. He leads. I follow. Sometimes he says, "Be still..." "Observe the Sabbath." "Don't just work for me, be in sync with the work I am doing." "Know me better."

So, this week of Twixtmas, slow down and remember, caring is God's work. Let Him do something.

God is working and He will call us into His work at the right time and place to make the best things happen. And we will be healthier and happier in the process (so will those we love). And we will be able to care better and longer and provide the best care.