Friday’s here!

The gateway to the weekend. For those who work weekday jobs, this means a long drink from life’s oasis. For those with variable schedules (retail or hospital workers), it probably doesn’t provide quite the same relief. In fact, many will toil longer hours precisely because the majority of the world is off work. 

But whatever lies ahead for your weekend, I encourage you to thrive in the moment. Ideas?

• Rest. The American culture is among the worst for continued activity. Most of it borderline frenzied. But knowing that even God rested portrays to me the importance of that pursuit. How will you rest this weekend? A nap? A long, slow walk? Relaxing by a fire? Meditating on Scripture and just being quiet? However you choose to “accomplish” it, we all require rest to recharge those batteries.
• Recreate. Have some fun while you’re off work. Play a game with the family. Push yourself and go an extra 10 miles on your bike ride. Stay up a little later and watch a movie with your mate or some friends. It’s hard to do this kind of thing during the week so take advantage of the weekend.
• Get outdoors. There’s just something about enjoying nature that naturally relaxes us. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Work in the dirt. Watch the sunrise or sunset (or both). Go biking or hiking.
• Connect with others. This can be at church, a recreational activity or plain ol’ family time. Spend time with those you love–talk, play, enjoy.
• Plan. The weekend serves not only as the period at the end of the sentence, but also as the beginning of a new one. Take a few minutes on Saturday or Sunday to plan your week. If you have kids, include them in the planning at a family meeting. (We have ours right after Sunday lunch following church.) Doing so keeps everyone involved and minimizes schedule conflicts.

I hope you’ll share some of your best ideas with the rest of us. Now make today the best it can be and rest, recreate, get outdoors, connect and plan this weekend. Be blessed!