So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah.

1 Kings 19:19-20

Happy Labor Day! I hope you're enjoying the last gasp of summer. Actually, the holiday always seems strange to me in the context of the academic schedule. You're just gearing up, getting into the swing of things and then it's time for a 3 day weekend. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the day off, but at this point in the year it doesn't seem like I've really earned it.

I think that's the way a lot of us feel about taking time off. We work hard as long as we can, then collaspe into a break and start the cycle all over again. The biblical concept of rest or sabbath is radically different. It was not only a reward for a job well done, but a renewal to place your labor in the light of eternity and to give you the ability not only to start again, but to work towards the right goals. In the story above, Elijah taps Elisha to be his successor--the next prophet to Israel. Had Elisha kept on plowing (doing work that couldn't be put off) he would have missed the direction God wanted to give. Instead, Elisha runs after Elijah and steps into the role he had been designed for.

It may feel a little odd to take a breather after only 2 weeks of classes, but let me encourage you to, for at least a little while, close up the laptop, put aside your phone, push aside your books and rest. And while you're resting, listen for God's voice. It may make Labor Day a little more necessary than you thought.