Taking time off

Good Morning friends, today I would like to take some time to talk about "taking time off". I think we can all relate and understand the importance of this subject but I wanted to share a little bit about how we do it and why. As an independent missionary partnered with a local church life can get really busy really fast. If we don't learn to say no we will burn out fast. (Good thing we learned how to say no, and we do it) This means we need to set boundaries and take breaks so that we can stay mentally, spiritually and physically fresh to take on whatever God gives us. We see ministry as a gift not a job, and we do not want to waste that gift away because we are too busy or worn out. That being said, the importance of taking time off is huge! Nayeli and I are blessed with guests each year that give us a break from the norm but still not time off for just us so we don't really count our trips with supporters or families real time off. We take a day off each week like the rest of you but again this is not real time off to breathe, reflect and enjoy the other blessings God gives us. So, how does real time off look for us? First, it is slowing down and choosing a place or activity where we can actually relax just us two and soak in what God has for us. It could mean hitting the beach for a few days or heading to the mountains. Getting out of the city is really the basic idea where there is no traffic, noise and people. We love nature so that is usually where we look to go. WHY? Having peace and quiet where we can chat with no pressure is super important for us to not only plan for the future but to reflect on the past. These types of trips usually create new ideas or make us better in the current ones. They also refresh us so we can keep going at the pace God is calling us to go. Second, it is taking at least 3 days off. Depending on the budget and time we have it could be 3 to 7 but we always figure that out with our leadership and prayer. AGAIN WHY? We need time to wind down and then rest and then reflect and then enjoy. You can't do that in 2 days and barely in 3. We are on all the time in ministry whether it is with our church congregation or leadership or it is with our small groups or the market we sell in or just on the street when there is an opportunity to share the Good News. We are on all the time. SO, 3 days minimum gives that chance to turn off. Lastly, we focus on each other. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we try to make it fun and relaxing for us both so we can care for each other in the way we need it. Whether that is reading books or the bible or having deep chats or just chilling, we try to focus on ourselves as a couple. This also helps strengthen our relationship with each other and God because we are using the time especially to focus on that. We challenge you to take real time off with the purpose of relaxing, reflecting and focusing on God and your marriage! We hope it keeps you fresh and ready for what's next as it does for us! WE THANK YOU for supporting us so we can do this and continue doing ministry in Mexico!