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