I’ve been working remotely for several years as a tech analyst, while also serving a local church, doing consulting work, continuing my education, and trying to hone my craft as a writer and editor. I’m not bragging—I’m offering a warning.

Working remotely has truly been a blessing. But there is a caveat. Where I once relied on a commute to help me shift gears, that transition has been replaced by a short walk upstairs to my home office.

What many would see as an opportunity for greater productivity has, for me, revealed something missing: the transitions—the space between tasks that allow the mind and heart to reset and recalibrate.

Now I move from one keyboard to another, one screen to another—headset on, headset off—shifting between responsibilities with little more than a swivel in my chair. A portrait of productivity. A master of multitasking, right? Yeah… not so much.

It’s more work, fewer transitions, and fewer breaks. I imagine my employers are well pleased, but remaining balanced requires intentionality. Being tethered to a desk for hours on end without healthy pauses simply isn’t good for us.

Scripture reminds us that even God honors rhythm and rest. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Transitions matter because seasons matter.

So, as we ease into this workweek, I want to encourage you to take breaks when you need them.

Transitions and pauses—those liminal spaces—do more than reset our minds. They are necessary rests that create distinction in our days and keep us from drifting into drudgery. Even Jesus recognized the need for this kind of withdrawal, saying to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

And surprisingly, these breaks do not diminish our productivity. They are not wasted time. While we may produce slightly less—though even that is debatable—we often produce better. Quality over quantity. “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:6).

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam