I read a blog post this morning written to pastors about the “Holy Week Hangover.”  These special liturgical times can pose a great challenge for church leaders. You work hard to faithfully shepherd a congregation through a worship service or liturgical season, but that very work can hinder your own ability to worship and be blessed.  After a long week (and 47 days of Lent!) preparing your church for Easter Sunday, when do you get to experience the power of the resurrection?  How do you recharge your own spiritual well-being after such an intense period of service?

Especially for those of you who have added extra services during Lent, I hope that you are able to take some well-deserved down time in the days and weeks ahead.  Take time away from church work to read a book (or even a poem!) just for pleasure, spend some time in God’s creation to notice the changes that spring is bringing, let yourself sleep in or take a nap, call an old friend, or listen to a song that inspires you.  One thing is certain, if Jesus really has been raised from the dead, then this is HIS church, and the parishioners under your care will continue to thrive under the ministry of the Holy Spirit, even if you take a few much-needed days off.  Take comfort in the promises of God, such as this verse that the “hangover” blog post reminds us of:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Heb. 6:10)

—Caren Swanson