Prioritizing Rest and Reflection
Prioritizing Rest and Reflection
Chad Gremel - July 1, 2025
As firefighters, most of us are wired to be task oriented. We go from one job to the next without ever pausing or taking a breath. We wake up and start our morning routine and try not to deviate despite what gets in our path. But part of this endless pursuit of routine and busyness comes at a cost. We miss what matters the most in an effort to “get things done” and keep marching on-always searching for our next goal to hit.
From a biblical standpoint we are supposed to toil and work, we are to be dutiful; however, we also are to step back and use discernment to evaluate when we need a break.
The sabbath was created so that we take a day of rest in the same manner that God rested after He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 2:2-3). In Mark 2:27 Jesus reiterates that the sabbath was made for the benefit of humanity.
Many of us can get caught up in serving one another instead of knowing when we are to enjoy one another’s company. Consider Mary and Martha: Mary was sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to his teaching while Martha was dutifully serving Christ. Martha complains to Jesus that her sister is not helping her and Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 41-42). How often do you find yourself doing a job when you should be listening and fellowshipping with other people? Too often I find myself guilty of this.
How about Matthew 11:28-30? “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” By giving ourselves time to spend with the Lord, real time, not a rushed two minutes after we wake up, but a genuine time with Him, we will experience His peace. Your burdens can be cast upon Him instead of checking a box that says you started your day off with prayer time.
In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul gives wisdom to the citizens of Ephesus. He says “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil.” This verse challenges us to use wisdom in how we spend our time. Do you think about how you spend your time? Time is a commodity you can never get back. Use it wisely. At times you will be busy, but make sure you balance that with genuine reflection, prayer, and relaxation so that you can recharge your batteries. Learn to prioritize what truly matters instead of aimlessly flitting the day away.
Consider Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” What King David is reflecting on is that life is full of different experiences. We all go through different phases. Try to enjoy these different phases of life. Take them in stride, recognize the moments you are in and take pleasure in them. Don’t just let life rush by as you have your head down trying to accomplish tasks. Be sure to lift your head up and look around.
We live in a fast-paced culture that values getting ahead and taking care of business in a timely fashion. This is important, but it can come at the cost of lost relationship with others and the degradation of who you are. Take time to purposefully slow down. Give yourself and your family time to spend together to grow closer. Spend time with the Lord by reading the bible and praying. Spend time with friends. If you are too busy to relax, my question for you is what are you running from? Worse yet, what are you running towards? Slow down and learn to prioritize rest and reflection on what matters most-God and serving Him.