This week's word prompt is break.
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| Picture from 2010 when I visited my mom in California |
Immediately I thought of a Facebook post a friend of mine here in Zambia just put up. She has begun a project of taking premature babies and teenage mothers into her home. She is building a place for them, but in the meantime they are staying with her in her tiny house. She has local caregivers working alongside her, but it means that she is constantly surrounded by her work and does not get the chance for a break. She was pleading with people to help give in to her building fund so that her work and home could have some separation.
This plea struck home for me because I too live at my work. There is always something to do, a child that needs attention, a staff member that needs instruction, always something. I have to fight for my time off.
But, there is a nagging feeling that as a missionary I shouldn't feel that way.
And I know I'm not the only mission worker to struggle with that. We are doing Good Work. Why should we want a break? A time away?
Then I talk sense into myself and give myself a little talking to. It goes something like this:
"Even Jesus took breaks. I'll be no good to anyone if I get exhausted and sick. It's healthy to have time away from work. Other people with 'normal' jobs get weekends or days off. Why shouldn't I?" and so on and so forth.
It's silly almost to admit this, but the struggle is real.
As I said, I know I'm not the only one. I see it over and over in missionary updates. They feel the need to justify any days they take off. Any money (even personal funds) spent on recreation. We get it. We need to make good use of the donations and funds that people have entrusted to us, but we need to take care of ourselves as well.
So, if you know a missionary or even a mission worker not overseas, let them know they deserve a break today. Let them know that you don't expect them to work 24/7 just because they're doing God's work.
I could say more on this subject, but I have to play by the rules of Five Minute Friday..... :)
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So awesome to find a blogger by the same name! And one with a love for Africa. I am an MK - grew up in the amazing country of Brazil, but would love to visit Africa some day. I have always had a desire to go there.
ReplyDeleteI love your post. So many people in ministry forget how important it is to take a break and refresh! They work until they burn out. Like you said - even Jesus took breaks!!
I hope you are blessed with a break today - whether a few minutes, an hour, or more!! Refresh yourself!
Blessings - stopping by from FMF
Soo good!!
ReplyDeleteSuch good words here. I have felt the same struggle, and know plenty of others who have as well! So important for missionaries to take proper and regular rests in order to effectively carry out their calling and ministry. Thank you for this! Glad to have you linking up with Five Minute Friday!
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