Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
All month, I’ve been talking and teaching about character. Leadership Roundtable sessions have been alive with this vibrant topic.
An important part of building your character is backing up your words with actions.
Full disclosure: I am embarrassed to tell you that I have truly dropped the ball in walking my talk in one key area of my life.
For 7 years, I have continuously encouraged my coaching clients to make sure they are taking care of themselves. Part of self-care is creating time and space away from work. Be religious about taking vacations, I tell people, and when you do – totally check out. No cell phones. No computers. Just you and your family and God.
The truth?
In the 7 years since I formed Triune Leadership Services, I have not done that once. As I was building the business and serving clients, I felt it necessary to never check out.
Kim (my wife) has been working me over pretty good on this for the last year or so. She’s basically accused me of being a hypocrite on this subject. She’s right. I plead guilty as charged.
So, it’s time for me to model the way and practice what I teach. I have agreed to take some time away with Kim during the last week of August and first week of September. Real time away. Totally unplugged. My whole-hearted intention is to simply enjoy time in reflection with God, time focused together with Kim, and time enjoying God’s creation.
If all goes as planned, you won’t see another blog or returned email from me until after September 7.
The support I have received from clients on their flexibility to re-schedule coaching sessions and training events has been overwhelming. I have been humbled by everyone’s understanding, and am greatly appreciative of the genuine encouragement for this time away.
By taking this action, I am hopeful that I encourage you to be intentional about doing the same thing. Find time to unplug and get away from your normal daily routines!
I look forward to my return — and the huge amount of energy that I know I will have after valuable time enjoying my vacation with family and friends!
Blessings,
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”.
Mark 6:30-32
Jane Anderson says
August 22, 2018 at 6:26 amCongratulations on your insight and bravery in following through with a real vacation. enJOY every moment! Nobody deserves it more.
Mark Deterding says
August 22, 2018 at 10:25 amThanks Jane, I am certainly looking forward to it. Blessings to you and your family!
Miki Schultz says
August 22, 2018 at 7:17 amMark,
Thank you for your transparency. It’s hard to carve out time and really unplug from work, and other demands. I have never thought about Mark’s verse in this way. Thank you for shedding light on it!
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”.
Mark 6:30-32
God Bless you and all you do!
Miki Schultz
Mark Deterding says
August 22, 2018 at 3:56 pmYou’re very welcome Miki. You are so right, it seems very hard in this day in age to “unplug”. I feel God requests us to do it, so I’m going to give it a good shot! Blessings to you and all the great work you are doing!!
Pastor Tim says
August 22, 2018 at 7:55 amHere are four reasons why we should always listen to our wives:
1. Listening to her perspective will help you see every situation with more clarity.
2. Listening to your wife will increase your wisdom.
3. Listening to your wife helps you grow closer to each other.
4. Listening shows your love.
Praying for you guys to have a blessed and refreshing time away!
Mark Deterding says
August 22, 2018 at 3:58 pmThanks so much for this awesome wisdom and your prayers Pastor Tim! I could not agree more with each of these points. I need to intentionally practice this way more than I do! Blessings to you and your family!
Phil Sponsler says
August 22, 2018 at 8:11 amKim is wise. The revelations you will gain during your unplugged sabbatical will be well worth investment. The high value add discoveries are going to be impactful to you, Kim and The Triune Community. God Bless.
Mark Deterding says
August 22, 2018 at 4:00 pmI agree Phil, Kim is definitely wise! I so appreciate your insights and encouragement. You are such a blessing!
Jessie Hjelle says
August 22, 2018 at 8:45 amMark!
I love your total transparency and humility! And I love how Kim has served as an accountability partner 🙂 ENJOY your time away!!
Mark Deterding says
August 22, 2018 at 5:10 pmThanks Jessie. Kim is an outstanding accountability partner, I just need to hold up my end of the deal! We are looking forward to the time for sure. Blessings to you and your family, and all the phenomenal work you are doing!!
Marla Schnell says
August 24, 2018 at 9:17 amMark,
Getting unplugged is so important for you and your connection with God, Kim, and family. A well deserved time away to renew, reflect, & refresh! Enjoy the journey!
Mark Deterding says
August 24, 2018 at 10:56 pmThanks so much Marla, really appreciate it. Blessings on your weekend!
Randy Conley says
August 29, 2018 at 9:52 pmGo for it Mark!
Blessings to you,
Randy
Mark Deterding says
August 30, 2018 at 11:35 pmThanks so much Randy! Blessings to you as well as you continue the phenomenal work you do in helping leaders to positively impact the world.