Rest isn’t selfish. But it reminded me of those who can’t.
Running on Fumes
There is something leaders like me can be slow to accept:
Rest is not a reward for finishing your work.
Rest is a requirement for doing your work well.
You cannot pour from an empty cup.
You cannot lead people well when you’re running on fumes.
The people who depend on you need you at your best, and your best requires margin.
So if you’re a leader reading this and you haven’t truly unplugged in a while, this is your nudge.
It’s not selfish. It’s stewardship.
Radical Reality
While I was thinking about this, a thought settled over me that I couldn’t shake.
There are people who cannot do this.
Because they live in a reality where the concept of truly switching off doesn’t exist.
Where sirens warning of inbound missiles are real.
Where fear doesn’t pause for dinner.
Even where a quiet evening outside is more of a risk than it is relaxing.
Yet life in Ukraine goes on. When a drone is shot down by Ukrainian defences people stop, look up, and then continue to sip their coffee while their children play in the playground. Not because they aren’t afraid, and not because there isn’t real danger. But because—what else can they do? The Ukrainian military now intercepts at least 90 percent of the longer-range drones that target civilians outside the battlefield. So the best you can do is hope you are not in the other 10 percent.
As I enjoy the gift of rest, I’m reminded that for millions, peace is not a vacation but a daily prayer. Their resilience humbles me, and their reality calls me to gratitude. 
In your moments of peace, move beyond comfort to
compassion,
generosity,
prayer, and
a renewed commitment
to stand with those who long for the rest we so easily take for granted.
Thank you.
Please leave your comment below. Share this post in your social media platforms as an encouragement to others. Thank you.
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