It’s summertime! The kids are out of school, the weather is hopefully nice, and it’s time for a vacation. Maybe you’re planning an epic road trip, heading to a favorite theme park or finding fun stuff to do locally. Whatever adventure your family chooses, vacations are a great time to recharge and reconnect.
And by that I mean, recharge your batteries, not your electronic devices, and reconnect with loved ones and maybe your pillow.
I get it — you’re dedicated to your work; especially since your work is inextricably tied to your faith. That's admirable, yet it can become an issue if you can’t break away for a week or two.
Here are a few tips for really unplugging this summer:
1. Plan ahead
Obviously, there are things you're responsible for that have to keep going while you’re away. A few weeks before you head out, determine who you can have handle those tasks in your place.
Document what needs to be done (and how), then review that documentation with the person who’ll handle the work for you. Make sure your delegate understands the instructions and consider having him shadow you a couple of times to see how it’s done.
2. Notify those impacted
Send out an email to staff and volunteers who need to know you’ll be out and who to contact in your place. Telling your volunteers a week or two beforehand at a service is also a good plan.
3. Turn on your out-of-office notification
Every email service I’ve used gives you the option to setup an automatic response when people email you while you're out of the office. The message should include that you’re out of the office and a list of who to contact in case they need a response before you'll be back.
And finally, the most important tip of all…
4. Do not check your email
Yes, your work is important and valuable. Yes, if you don’t check your email you'll have a ton to sort through when you get back. However, you won’t get this time back with your spouse and children.
You need this time to get away and recharge your batteries. Play, sleep in, read extra bedtime stories, cuddle up with your spouse after the kids are tucked in, and be fully present with your family. They need you and those you serve alongside in ministry need you to have a healthy family life.
If things aren't going well at home, it will impact your efforts at church. Your No. 1 ministry priority is your family. Disconnect from the office this summer and enjoy some uninterrupted, quality time with your spouse and children. You'll never regret that decision, so put down the phone and go have some family fun this summer.