Our Greatest Hour

This morning i came across a very inspiring post on a friend’s Facebook page:

Winston Churchill took, what looked like a long sabbatical; or worse...a retirement from his political career before his greatest hour. Rejected by his peers, removed from public office, he retreated to the English countryside in his early 50's. It wasn't until years later during WWII that his leadership was esteemed and he said that he felt he was walking in his destiny and everything before that was just preparation!

Those of us who aspire to higher goals and believe in a greater purpose in life, often come up against brick walls on the path we travel. Well intentioned goals may become derailed by factors completely outside our control, as we are attacked and cheated by others, and are under a relentless bombardment that can drain our strength and at times our will. Looking at Churchill’s life, we can see he was not immune to such struggles.

What’s interesting to note, is that he stepped back for a time, and was away from the limelight for a purpose and a reason. Many may have thought he had given up, but we now know that he had not. Whether we call it a sabbatical or just a long overdue rest, we all need to take down time to recover, reevaluate and rejuvenate ourselves. God never created us to endlessly plow full steam ahead. This is how many end up derailing themselves, or as some may describe 'burning themselves out'.

As i’ve rested on the sidelines for much of past three years, at times i’ve wondered if i’d ever be able to handle the battles again, establish new ventures or take on new challenges as i once did. Yes, time is our greatest asset and we must use it wisely, but i’ve also come to realize taking time to rest and rejuvenate may just be our greatest investment. Had Churchill not taken that sabbatical, would he have been ready for the challenge that faced him? Possibly not...

As an entrepreneur, i never really liked the term business or businessman. There’s many connotations associated with the term business, many not so positive. But what troubles me the most about this term is it’s root: BUSYNESS. Much of my business life has been busyness, not necessarily by my own choice but due to extraordinary circumstances i’ve encountered in my ventures. And an onslaught of busyness never allows us time for rest, and at the end may indeed cause us to loose our focus and burn out.

The challenge i now present to myself and others: Are we too busy to rest? Do we have time to be rejuvenated and revitalized in quietness, reflecting, dreaming and envisioning a greater purpose for our lives? Do we see the big picture, or are we enveloped by all the busyness that surrounds us? Taking time to be still and at rest, may just be the best place God can prepare us, for our greatest hour.