I walked up to a vending machine the other day only to see a sign taped on it that said, “Out of Order”.

On this particular day, it wasn’t a big deal; however, there have been plenty of times when I’ve been greeted with an out of order sign that proved to be a very big deal (a gas pump when my car is running on fumes and the next town is 672 miles away, for example).

And, generally speaking, to get those machines beyond their “Out of Order” status and back into working order, they simply need to be refilled.

I’ve lost count of the times I have felt out of order. Empty with no snacks or refreshment to give to those who cross my path. Drained with no fuel to pour into others in need.

Those times tend to occur when I haven’t given myself enough space to breathe, to rest, or to just be.

God knew when He created us that we would need this margin. Spaces to relax, play, and unwind so we can be refreshed, refilled, and refueled ourselves.

For many, vacations serve this purpose. We work relentlessly in order to take a one or two week vacation a year.

But, we need so much more than that!

God, who created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them, took a whole day off in His work week rhythm. He modeled what a weekly day of rest looked like.

Knowing that it would be essential to our well-being also, He included it in the 10 commandments.

“Remember the Sabbath day…labor six days…but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord…For the Lord made the heavens and the earth…and everything in them in six days; then He rested  on the seventh.” (Exodus 20:8-11 HCSB)

As humans, created in His image, how could we possibly think that we don’t need a day off each week?

I know – it goes against every fiber of our American culture. Work, run, go, go, go. Only to find ourselves exhausted, drained, and completely out of order.

We wonder why we lack joy, can’t hear God’s voice, and have little patience with others. The simple answer is because we haven’t pressed stop on our whirlwind lives to be refreshed ourselves.

Neglecting this all-important piece in our week opens us up to a myriad of out of order symptoms.

Make that space to slow down. Do something that recharges you – whether it’s reading a good book by yourself, having a game night with your family, or enjoying some much-needed time with friends.

You are worth it and so are those around you.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!