Today was one of my first Sundays off in a long time. By “Sundays off,” I mean not checking emails while away and not replying until I get back; I mean it not being a travel day while I fly to a conference, a meeting, or a gathering. Today was a true day off. What made it even better was it was my birthday. For once, I didn’t have to work on my birthday.

I got to spend it at Boca Lake with my family, my sister’s family, and even my parents. Somehow, my husband was able to convince my dad to not go to church and spend time with the family. Granted he promised that I would preach a sermon on the boat, but in reality all I  offered was an opportunity for him to try and walk on water like Jesus.

I love days like this where I get a break from being a pastor and a mother. One would think that taking a break wouldn’t be a hard lesson to learn, but I grew up in a family with a crazy work ethic. My parents worked 12 hour days, 6 days a week at the dry cleaning business. Not once did they take a sick day or day off. Vacations were sacrificed; piano recitals, games, extracurricular events were missed; and Sunday, our one day off, was dedicated to the church. Labor Day, Memorial Day, President’s Day were opportunities to make more money, not rest.

As I am in my last year of my 30’s, I must remember how important Sabbath is and not let days go by too fast before I get another one. It’s never too late to learn, right?