Typically, for worship leaders specifically, summer is a “slower” time of the year. Once September arrives, you are already planning Christmas, doing a quick hit on Veteran’s Day, then before you know it into Easter, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July. Not taking into account all the other special days your church might have coming up: baby dedications, sermon series, Mission’s Convention, community outreach, and the list goes on. There seems to always be something pressing you.
That’s why when you have a natural break, you need to take it! You might say, “Well now that there’s a break, I can catch up on another project.” I tried that. For all of May and June, I worked longer hours, to the point that everything else was on hold. For me, I notice it in my backyard. The weeds were bountiful, there was no new mulch, the flower pots were empty, the grill was covered, and the pool was green. It really hit me the first week of July that I was overworked, tired, and burnt out. And it was my own fault.
The past few weeks I have remedied the problem. I have limited work hours, and made an effort to take time: for me, to be with people, and to catch up the yard. Today is a milestone…I went in the pool. It is crystal clear, the yard is mowed, the weeds gone, the plants and flowers planted. I am seizing the time I have, because I can see the next project coming.
How about you? Have you been able to give yourself a break? If you haven’t it’s not too late. Take advantage of any lull you have and get away from work. Spend time on your hobby, meet with friends, get your chores done around the house. You will feel better, and it will recharge your battery so when the rush of work comes again, you will be ready. When you take care of yourself, you are then able to give to others.
Written by Dave Feltman. Dave is a search coach for Froot Group, a worship staffing company.
