16. Show gratitude.
Write a thank-you note to someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
17. Write a psalm.
Praise God. Listen for direction or a soothing balm of refreshment from God.
18. Listen to your favorite music.
Allow it to soothe you—or stir you.
19. Try your hand at an art project.
Be an artist. Then—no matter how it turns out—give it to someone.
20. Stretch for 10 minutes.
Jump. Jog. Get your heart rate up. Then cool down with a drink of ice water and more stretches.
21. Go to a farmer’s market, an art fair, or a music festival.
Soak in their wonderful offerings.
22. Put yourself in a new situation.
Do something you’ve never done before. At lunchtime, volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity site. Pound nails. Help build a home. Mentor a child. Go fishing. Bait your own hook. Try your hand at a potter’s wheel. Eat sushi.
23. Look at your schedule.
Where can you downsize, delegate, or redirect? Eliminate something to change your routine.
24. Ask someone to be your “coach,” someone who’ll invest in you.
Ask your coach to help you focus on your mission and vision.
25. Plant yourself in a small group.
Choose one that’s real and relevant; a place where you can find confidentiality, accountability, transparency, and encouragement.
Jesus Modeled a Change of Routine
We have a perfect example of what it means to stay refreshed, renewed, and moving in ministry. It’s Jesus!
Jesus spent time with the 5,000, before the masses, who were looking to him, listening to his every word, and tugging at him. It was a long day. When the disciples alerted Jesus that it was time to eat, Jesus delegated the task to his disciples. He also used the resources of a boy with a basket of fish and bread. Through a miracle, Jesus fed the 5,000.
Jesus didn’t spend all his time with the masses.
Jesus changed up his routine. He moved to spend time with his disciples, always fully aware of the value of his team. He’d spend time with them, equipping them, asking higher-order questions, and serving with them. But Jesus didn’t spend all his time with his team. Jesus moved.
Jesus moved to be with close friends—brunch with Mary and Martha. Time to be, time to talk, time to enjoy a meal, and time to discuss life. Jesus was in relationship with people. He knew that friends are those we do life with. He understood that healthy friendships are sources for refreshment. But Jesus didn’t spend all his time with friends. Jesus moved.
Jesus moved to be alone.
He went to be with God—in prayer, to listen. Jesus experienced solitude, serenity, and simplicity. After they’d been preaching, teaching, and healing, Jesus told his disciples to go to a silent place. Go and be, rest, restore, refresh. And Jesus calls out to you, his precious disciple. Rest now, be silent, listen, clear your mind. And I will whisper to you. I love you.
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