We live in a world that glorifies busyness. Emails, deadlines, meetings, and the constant hum of responsibility can make us feel like we’re running on empty. That’s why annual leave isn’t just a perk, it’s a necessity. A week away from work is more than a break; it’s a chance to breathe, reset, and remember who we are outside of our job titles.
Think of annual leave as pressing the pause button on life’s remote control. For once, the calendar isn’t dictating every move. Instead of rushing to the next meeting, you can linger over a cup of tea, take a walk without checking the time, or even nap guilt-free. Rest isn’t laziness, it’s fuel for the soul.
Rest gives us space to reconnect:
- With ourselves: noticing what our bodies and minds truly need.
- With others: spending unhurried time with family and friends.
- With God: listening for His voice in the quiet moments we often miss in the rush.
Annual leave is a reminder that we are human beings, not human doings.
Sometimes the best part of a week off isn’t a grand holiday but the small joys: reading a book you’ve been putting off, cooking a meal slowly, or listening to music that makes your heart sing. These moments restore us in ways that no productivity hack ever could.
As we take time to rest, resist the urge to fill every day with tasks. Let yourself be still. Psalm 23 reminds us: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” Restoration doesn’t happen in the rush, it happens in the rest.
Annual leave is more than time off, it’s God’s invitation to step aside, breathe deeply, and let Him restore us. So when you have annual leave try and press pause, so you can return not only refreshed but renewed.
The Distinct Dot 