"If only we could take time off...

Even before you experienced your loss, there were days when you wanted to take time off from life. Having the ability to turn off your brain and your emotions and just enjoy your morning coffee, watch the sunrise, and listen to the birds without planning or worrying about your day is a great start for taking time off from life.

If only we could take time off. If only we could spend the day reading, sitting by the pool, or going for a hike in the mountains without being concerned about anything. If only we didn't have to worry about finances or hurting someone's feelings. If only the kids could take care of themselves for one day. If only the house projects would get done.

Complicated by the loss, taking time off from life seems impossible. In reality, however, it is not impractical to close your eyes and let everything disappear for a moment or an hour. Actually, taking time off from life will help you tackle what is in front of you. Take the much needed break and ask for help in getting your daily responsibilities done as you come up for air." (Day 172 in Living with Loss, One Day at a Time, Rachel Blythe Kodanaz You can click HERE for more about and from Rachel.)

If we could just unplug and take time off we would be healthier, stronger and find the presence of God.

He invites us to, "be still and know that I am God."

Vacations can be wonderful. I'm getting ready for a couple weeks away to celebrate my wedding anniversary and that I am a cancer survivor. 

But beyond vacations, to develop the discipline of stillness and silence, even for a moment like Rachel describes or as a Rule of Life as peter Scazzero teaches, we will find what we need to keep going.

Whether you are caring for someone else to help them learn how to take time off, or if you are taking time off to regain your own strength, what you are doing, by not doing, matters.
 

Your life matters, 

Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478