Yesterday we considered the blocks of time available in your life each week and how many of them are available for serving your new church. The temptation as you begin to serve a church is to focus on what needs to be done to meet the expectations of the church. Three areas that are easy to neglect are those of family, personal health, and time for your own spiritual nurture. Families can be forgiving, up to a point, but eventually they need some of your attention to keep the bonds strong. If you are at or near retirement, it may only be a spouse that is in the home, but even those who are living elsewhere need your attention.
Also, as we grow older, our bodies and emotional reservoir require more attention. It is a mistake not to plan time for physical exercise, healthy eating, and fun time that can help balance our emotional reserves. Physical exercise will be different for different people and may include sports such as golf or tennis, exercise machines in the home or at a sports club, or regular runs or walks. The point is, have you identified for you what those will include and when you will engage in them. Intentionally setting aside time for them will prevent you from neglecting them.
Social time, both with members of your family and friends is important to schedule as well. Taking season tickets to some event is one way of making sure you take time. Being part of a book club, a dinner group, or hiking party can help nurture the bonds of community. Do not assume that because you are with lots of people in your church work, that your social needs are being met. We need social time when we are not also filling the role of pastor. Some hobbies can both revitalize your spirit and allow for relationship building outside of your pastoral responsibilities.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to set aside time for your spouse. Make use of your calendar to schedule date nights so that you can catch up with each other.
Tomorrow we will look at another very vital part of your self-care.
