“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.” – Proverbs 4:25-26 NLT
Today marks the first official day of my sabbatical. For the first time in years, I woke up not needing to clock in for work. Yet instead of feeling restless or lost, I found myself embracing the stillness. My day began slowly: a morning walk, journaling, prayer—and a quiet time that stretched longer than usual. It felt natural. Familiar. Not rushed.
I had always imagined rest to be uncomfortable—like something foreign I had to earn or justify. But today, God gently reminded me that rest is not a pause from purpose; it’s a part of His design. In fact, this very season is a mission field of its own, one where I can draw near to Him, listen more intently, and align my steps with His leading.
Stewarding the Mission
In the afternoon, I found myself with quiet time to explore some tools that could help support the blog I’ve been working on. Normally, I’d brush off the technical side—email marketing, hosting, editing—as distractions. But today felt different. There was no pressure to perform or perfect—just a desire to steward this mission well.
I began learning with a renewed mindset: not just for efficiency, but for obedience. If writing and sharing what God places in my heart is part of the mission, then equipping myself is an act of faithfulness too.
As I took notes and made small progress, I realized: this isn’t just about growing a blog. It’s about showing up daily, with purpose. Because just like in work, fruitfulness comes from faithfulness—one surrendered day at a time.
It reminded me how important it is to live each day purposefully—with Jesus at the center of everything. Whether we are working, resting, or learning, there’s always an opportunity to align with His rhythm.
A Daily Routine Anchored in Christ
We all need rhythms that keep us grounded—especially in seasons of transition, rest, or waiting. Without them, it’s easy to drift, fill the silence with noise, or chase productivity instead of presence.
This sabbatical is teaching me that rhythm isn’t about control—it’s about creating space to be with God and walk in step with Him.
Here’s the 3-part daily flow I’ve been leaning on lately. Whether you’re in a season of stillness or navigating a full plate, may this rhythm help you stay rooted too:
1. Input – Receive from God
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4
Begin your day by soaking in Scripture. Don’t rush it. Let the Word speak to you. Lately, I’ve been reading through Deuteronomy—taking it slow, even through the repetitive or less dramatic parts. And honestly, I’ve been surprised by how God meets me in the quiet details. Whether it’s one verse or one chapter, let your cup be filled with truth before anything else.
📌 Practical Tip: Set a specific time and place for your quiet time. No phone, no distractions—just you and God. Bring a journal if it helps you listen more deeply.
2. Process – Dwell and Respond
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
Don’t just read the Word—let it dwell in your heart. Give it room to shape your thoughts, emotions, and actions. For me, this often looks like journaling, praying out loud, or simply reflecting during a walk or while doing chores. I write down verses that stir me and talk to God about my fears, joys, and next steps. We are constantly being formed—so let God form you intentionally.
📌 Practical Tip: Identify “processing moments” in your day—like during walks, commutes, cooking, or showering—and turn them into ongoing conversations with God.
3. Output – Live and Share the Mission
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17
We’re not called to keep the light to ourselves. Whether through a blog post, a kind word, a prayer over someone, or how you live your life—what we receive from God is meant to be shared.
Last Sunday in church, I was reminded that 5.5 billion people in the world still don’t know Jesus. That number stunned me. It stirred something in me. It reminded me that while the mission is big, we each have a role to play—right where we are.
This blog might feel small, but it’s part of my obedience. And your voice, your story, your gift—it matters too. We don’t have to reach everyone. But we can reach someone.
📌 Practical Tip: Ask God this week: “Who can I encourage today?” Then obey the prompt, even if it’s as simple as a message, a meal, or a prayer.
The Mission Is Daily
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Luke 10:2)
Whether you’re in a sabbatical, managing a household, in a 9–5 job, or in a season of transition—your day still holds eternal value. Don’t underestimate the quiet moments of obedience. They matter. They add up. They transform lives.
And if you ever feel unsure what to do next, come back to the Greatest Commandment:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39)
These two things—loving God and loving others—will always lead us in the right direction.
Reflection Questions:
- What part of your current daily rhythm helps you stay connected with God?
- Are there distractions or routines that need to shift so you can live more intentionally on mission?
- Who is one person you can encourage or share God’s love with this week?
Let this be your reminder: every day is a mission. Every moment is an opportunity. Anchor your heart in Christ—and let Him guide your steps, one faithful day at a time.
Faithfully,
Yani
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