In the hustle and bustle of life, how often do you remember to take time out for yourself, just to regroup and get re-centered? Do you feel guilty that you want to take some "me time" and therefore, don't do it because there is so much in life to do? How often should you take "time out" for the good of yourself and those around you? Time out means: "time for rest or recreation away from one's usual work or studies." When was the last time you took time out?
Parents (and you) are very familiar with the time out given to children, in that context, time out means: "a quiet period used as a way to discipline a child." While a child my not "enjoy the time out" they are put in, they do go through the process of regrouping all by themselves and (hopefully) thinking through what they have done or what has just occurred--that caused them to be put in time out. Whatever the time out, it is very valuable. So, as an adult, no one will ever make you take time out that is truly good for your (except maybe going to prison... then you have ample time out) , but you shouldn't wait until it's too late or when you are forced to take time out. Take time out!
Even the Word of God encourages you and I to take time out. In Mark 6:31-33 it is written: "And He said to them, 'Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him." As you can tell from this passage, sometimes it's difficult to take time out because people will still keep coming to you... but it is necessary to make the intentionally do whatever it you need to do to take time out.
It's really not that deep, it's simply necessary :) Again, in Matthew 14:22-23, it is written: "Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there." The disciples needed time out and Jesus needed time out. How much more you do you need time out?
Today, and everyday going forward, make the effort to plan and schedule your time out. Even if it's just 10 minutes (at least) to regroup and revitalize yourself. You can do it! You deserve it! The world will be a better place just by you doing your part to take time out :). Do whatever you need to do during that time out to help you settle done and just relax... Try it! Time out rocks!
