January Newsletter: 2022

I have a love-hate relationship with January. I hate the cold, and the snow, and the early sunsets. But a goals girl at heart, I love the feeling of a blank slate, fresh calendar, and new year potential. Like you, I have big dreams for 2022. In order to see those things happen we're surely going to have to make all the lists, write the action steps and pray big prayers for all we want to see God do in, through, and around us this year. 

But, if we're going to run hard on mission we're also going to have to be strategic and intentional about resting. Inasmuch as we've been given a divine commission to work as ministers of the gospel, we've been issued a sacred invitation to sabbath. It's not a commandment given to tie our hands from productivity one day each week, but a gift from God to rest our bodies, refresh our spirits and ultimately show God we trust Him in our obedience.

I'll be the first to say I don't always get this right, but I'm working on doing it better. Some practical rhythms I've found that serve my work and family well have been: 

• Scheduling (in Sharpie) down-time in my calendar
• Cleaning my house the night before a day off so I'm not distracted by chores
• Setting aside 30 mins everyday for something I find fun (reading, puzzles, long walks) 
• Rhythmic meal planning - Taco Tuesday, Pizza Party Friday and soup on Winter Wednesdays makes shopping, cooking and prepping simpler for me

What about you? What are some rhythms, habits, or practices you've found that help you rest? We'd love to hear from you - hop over to our socials and join the conversation! And to help us all develop in this area, we're hosting a one hour conversation on Sabbath and Sabbatical on February 10th. The details are below and we'd love for you to join. 

Can't wait to chat again soon!
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Ashley Pritchett & the Southern Missouri Women Ministers Team