Should I be working or playing right now? The internet, i-Phones, and mobile apps can offer the initially  attractive “work-as-I-play” or “play-as-I-work” lifestyle. But if you’re like me, working as I’m playing, or playing as I’m working never seems to work out so well. I end up with the temptation of texting someone as I’m talking to another. Or worse, texting while I’m driving, or in a conversation. Multi-tasking becomes hazardous and insulting. As is often the case in such dilemmas, one of my favorite writes, D.A. Carson, brings clarity to the work-play-glory of God predicament: “Work hard, play hard, but never confuse the two. While working, do not fritter away the hours by squeezing in distractions and various kinds of play. The result is poor work combined with guilty feelings for a job poorly done. While playing, do not think about work so as to dilute the regenerative value of down-time.”

Amen. Whatever we do in word or deed or recreation or work, let us do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. As you meet deadlines, have those hard conversations, and deal with ungrateful customers, be all there and display the gospel. A time of God-ordained rejuvenation will come. As you are barreling down the single-track to the next switchback, reaching for the next hand-hold, celebrating the melody of salt-lime-pepper-avocado in your guacamole, or scoping the wildlife – glorify God by not thinking about how you will meet that next deadline or have that hard conversation, and so rejuvenate all the more.