Total Recharge

By Darlene L. Turner

Josiah trudged along the narrow path. He stopped, shifted his backpack, and forced himself to keep moving in spite of the shooting pain coursing through his leg. He kept his mind focused on the solitude of his mountaintop destination. The agony of the climb would be worth it.

It had been a rough six months with hours of overtime and challenges around every corner. It was time to recharge—totally.

Reaching the top, Josiah slipped his backpack off. It thudded to the ground, echoing in the crisp mountain air. His shoulders relaxed and peace washed over him as if a bucket of water poured out its goodness, flowing from head-to-toe.

He sucked in a breath. Majestic mountains surrounded him like an army of warriors ready to protect their king. Josiah exhaled slowly. Yes, this would be his spot to recharge and make any necessary decisions.

He smiled and raised his hands in total surrender.

Do you ever feel like a zapped Energizer Bunny in need of recharging? Your deadlines are mounting and the clock is ticking? Are there times when you want to run away from everything and everybody? I have. And guess what?

Jesus did too.

He went to the mountain to pray. Jesus spent hours healing the sick and teaching in the synagogue. I’m sure his energy was depleted, so He headed to the mountain to recharge. He used the time to pray and make decisions. He chose the twelve apostles. What a great example He is to us!

Do you have a pending deadline that has you stressed out? Edits are piling up? Or maybe your story is stuck and you don’t know where to take your characters next. When this happens we need to take time to stop and pray. Do our devotions. When we do, it will give us a chance to collect our thoughts and recharge.

Jesus went to a place of solitude at daybreak. At sunset, the people brought all who were sick to be healed. Jesus needed to find a place to be alone. I’m sure He was exhausted, so at sunrise He went to be by Himself.

Sometimes God uses the early hours to put things into perspective after a night of rest. Or perhaps your quiet time is late at night. Whenever it is, be sure to schedule it. Your brain needs that break in more ways than one. To just recharge or perhaps help you with your story. There are times we need to take a moment for ourselves and turn our minds off. Refocus.

Jesus got in a boat and crossed the river. Maybe you have so much on the go that you feel like you’re going in circles. Everything feels urgent and you lose perspective. It’s time to take a retreat and go away. Writer’s retreats are a great way to brainstorm a new story idea or to just unwind after finishing a book. Rejuvenate. Do it! You won’t regret it.

Jesus took time to be with his disciples. There are times to unwind. Too much work isn’t good for us. We need to relax and enjoy life. Schedule a family outing, go to the movies, mini-golfing, etc. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while and ask them to go for coffee. Shut the brain off and have some good ole fashioned fun!

There are times we have to stop. Jesus did. Why do we find it so hard to follow His example?

We need to run to Him.

And recharge.

Totally recharge.

What do you do to relax and re-energize from all those deadlines? Got any secrets? Please share!

 Darlene L. Turner writes romantic suspense. She won the 2017 ACFW Genesis award (Romantic Suspense), was a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and won in 2016. She lives with her husband in the Forest City of London, Ontario. Visit Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where she believes there’s suspense beyond borders.