God's Blueprint for ExcellenceSample

Day 5

Rest Deliberately

Ancient law 4 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

I learned something the hard way: you don’t have to run yourself into the ground to live a life of excellence. Years ago, I was burning out—working as a CEO, leading worship at church, staying up till 1:00 a.m. making sure everything was perfect for Sunday services. I was exhausted, tolerating everything, even my marriage, until I hit a wall. I was physically sick, tired, and didn’t care anymore. That’s when I realized I had to rest deliberately. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28 to come to Him when we’re weary, promising true rest. It’s not just a good idea—it’s a standard of excellence that keeps your fire burning bright.

Rest isn’t about crashing on the couch after a grueling day; it’s about intentionally hitting pause to restore your soul. I found my “Restoration Station” at a lake cabin, and it saved me. Maybe your place is a quiet walk, a fishing spot, or just sitting on the side of your bed with your socks in your hand, letting your mind go neutral. Whatever it is, schedule it like an appointment. Without rest, you’ll lose your marbles—trust me, I’ve been there. So, let’s stop chasing the rat race and start resting deliberately. It’ll recharge you to love better, live bigger, and leave a legacy that matters.

One wise man said: “Divert daily, retreat weekly and abandon annually.”

Action Step
Pick one hour this week for deliberate rest—no work, no screens, just you and a quiet space. Write down where you’ll go and what you’ll do to unwind, then reflect on how it impacts your energy and perspective. Work toward having one day a week unplugging from everything stressful.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me to rest in You. Show me where I’m letting exhaustion steal my joy and help me carve out time for deliberate rest. Guide me to a place of solitude that restores my soul, so I can live with purpose and leave a legacy of love. Amen.