Knowing When to Say When

It’s important to know when to take a break. Whether it’s from a specific activity or from your entire daily routine, a little deviation every now and again might be helpful. In other words, knowing when to say when can take you a long way.

The most common example is found in social drinking. A wise social drinker knows when to cut off the alcohol. This person knows that any further indulgence will lead to intoxication. So, when offered yet another drink, he or she will say, “No thanks, I’ve had enough.” If we only knew when to apply this in other areas of our lives!

We tend to get burnt out, overtired, and generally worn out because we often don’t know when to say when. We become so caught up in our own lives, that we lose perspective. And we find ourselves making rationalizations: But the chores have to be done! But everyone is counting on me! But in these hard economic times, I can’t afford to slow down! And these are all valid arguments. But in the end, do they serve the greater good?

Even Jesus, who is God in human form, understood the importance of knowing when to say when. His ministry included days filled with crowds of people swarming him with their problems, their challenges, and their desire to be healed. The Bible recounts in Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus demonstrated the importance of knowing when to say when.

We should apply that principle in our own lives, without fear of guilt or repercussion. Knowing when to say when gives us the power to return to our activity or routine at another time. While in the meantime, we renew, refresh, and recharge.

Do you know when it’s time to say when? Be sure to ask God for guidance in taking a break from your activity or routine. And when you return, be sure to give your testimony to encourage others.