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Last year our Board and leadership team graciously gave every employee a “Sabbath week” (an extra week of paid vacation time). They included a few (very appropriate) parameters: you had to take the time, you had to take it during one of two weeks, and you had to spend the first day in a time of worship and meditation with the rest of the group.

It was a tremendously generous gift, and one I encourage you to consider for your staff or employees.

But last year, grateful as I was for this time, I didn’t really need it. Things were plugging along well enough in my life, and I actually used part of my “Sabbath” time to visit Vegas—a trip that probably does not fit even the loosest interpretations of what it means to keep the Sabbath, but was very fun anyway.

This year is different. Our leaders aren’t giving extra vacation this summer (it’s not really the kind of perk that can or should be offered on an annual basis) so I’m creating my own Sabbath next week.

I’ve blogged about my friend who recently finished a marathon. When she told me about the experience, she described the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that suddenly kicks in after crossing the finish line. For 26.2 miles, the focus is finishing strong and achieving the goal. At 26.3, the adrenaline shuts off, and suddenly the walker notices the shin splints, dizziness, and dehydration that built up during competition.

The last year and a half has been my 26.2 miles. I gutted through some difficult situations and now, at the finish line, I’m out of adrenaline and out of energy. And now that I’m here, bent over and trying to catch my breath, I’m noticing the side effects. (When you find yourself daydreaming about getting mono so you can stay home all day sleeping and reading magazines, it’s a sign you may need a break.)

So I’m looking forward to next week—not because one week will magically repair the cumulative effects of one year, but because I believe God will honor my attempt to step back, refocus, and rest. I’ll let you know how it goes.