Well, another year has come and go. Every Christmas eve service I think to myself, "it feels like just a couple months ago we did this." And here we are in January 2026. I am not a Prophet, but I can predict that this year will also be filled with busyness, and will go by as fast as 2025 did. For this reason, I feel led to suggest three ways for you (and me) to Slow Your Roll for spiritual health in 2026:

1. Have Occasional Phone & Screen Fasts. As I am writing this blog, our family is attempting to complete a 12 hour fast today. No phones or computers or any devices with screens on them. I think we all know that we spend way more time in front of screens (especially our phones) than we should be. Find other things to do by yourself, with your spouse, with your family, with your friends and with the Lord Himself.

2. Have Occasional Half-Day Spiritual Retreats. Purposely schedule some time to focus on spiritual things - prayer, Bible reading, journaling, reflection and yes, even simple silence. Get away to a quiet place to do this. You can do this by yourself, with your spouse or with your family. It does not have to be at a retreat center; it can be at a park, a quiet coffee shop or even at your own home. For example, I've had occasional half days spent in silence - no phone, no anything, except me, my Bible and the Lord. It was challenging, but very refreshing and rewarding.

3. Occasionally Visit a Cemetery. I know this sounds a little creepy, but it does one good. It will scream at you "life is short, how are you living it!" There's nothing like a reminder of our mortality to cause us to slow down and reflect on things we need to reflect on, and even make some changes accordingly.

The concept of Retreat for spiritual reinvigoration has had a long history in the life of the church. I can honestly say that it must be all the more needed today! Retreat is a time to refocus ourselves, recenter ourselves on Christ and on how we live for Him and with Him. We all, including myself, could use more of that in our lives, don't you think? Let me close by giving us two scripture passages that encourage us in this direction: Mark 6:31-32 and Colossians 3:1-4.