Jesus recognized the importance of rest, even when the work seemed endless. In Mark 6:30-31, after the disciples returned from their mission, Jesus saw that they were tired and overwhelmed by the demands of the crowd. He told them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” This shows us that while it’s important to use our creativity and spiritual gifts, we also need to make time for rest. Pushing ourselves to work nonstop might seem like the best way to be productive, but without proper rest, we risk burning out and losing the very energy we need to fulfill our calling.
J.P. Morgan, one of history’s most influential financiers, was known for his relentless work ethic and the pivotal role he played in shaping the U.S. economy. Despite his immense drive, Morgan understood the necessity of rest. As chronicled in Jean Strause’s biography, *Morgan: American Financier,* he believed that he “could do a year’s work in nine months—but not in twelve months.” Morgan recognized that without taking time to rest, he wouldn’t have the capacity to accomplish his monumental tasks. His philosophy reminds us that even the most driven among us need regular periods of rest to sustain our productivity and effectiveness.
To truly maximize your creative potential and spiritual gifts, rest must be a deliberate part of your life. It’s not enough to simply work hard; you need to build in regular times of rest and recovery. Just as J.P. Morgan recognized the importance of taking a break to sustain his productivity, you too must make rest a priority. Plan it, schedule it, and honor it as an essential part of your journey. By intentionally baking rest into your calendar, you allow yourself the renewal needed to continue your work with energy, clarity, and purpose.
