The most significant words I’ve gotten about soul care came from the voice of God during my first sabbatical. Because of our son’s constant epilepsy needs during 20 solid years planting two churches, I had never taken more than two weeks off. I used all of these issues as a justification not to take a break. But on my first walk on day one of eight weeks off I heard, “Hugh, Sabbath is my way of taking care of you. You’ve never taken me seriously and thus you’ve never been taken care of.” I can’t say I’ve learned this all yet, but I’m starting to believe that the life of God isn’t formed in us until we really trust him with the loving commandment to rest. Really rest.