A woman who worked in a high level job for a major corporation experienced a grueling schedule and a lot of pressure. So when she was offered the opportunity to attend a stress reduction seminar, she quickly accepted. However, she soon realized the seminar might not be as helpful as she first thought. The instructor arrived late, out of breath, and announced, "In order to accommodate everyone's busy schedules, this five-day seminar will be speeded up and completed in two days!"
In our study of turning points in people's lives, we must focus on the dramatic difference that takes place when a person learns the secret of taking "time out" for rest and renewal. No one who reads the gospel accounts of Jesus' public ministry can miss the fact that our Lord lived a very busy and challenging life. Everywhere he went, the crowds followed him. Many people sought his help both day and night. Like many people in our time, Jesus lived with a grueling schedule and lots of pressure. But a careful reading of the gospels reveals that Jesus knew the wisdom of taking "time out" in his busy life for rest, relaxation, and renewal.