Time is one of the most precious gifts we have, yet it’s often spent without intention. What if we paused, even just for a day, to ask ourselves, ‘Am I living the kind of life I want to be remembered for?’
This challenge brings us to the concept of what I like to call John Stott Days. They were inspired by world renown British priest and theologian – John Stott. He visited our church over the years, taking time to mentor and teach our leaders. One time we asked him how he was able to keep up with everything. He shared that once a month he took a full day away from work and his responsibilities. He didn’t do any of his regular activities, but instead spent the day in solitude with God. When my friend and I heard that, we both looked at each other and agreed it was a practice we wanted to adopt. Since then, I’ve been regularly taking John Stott Days where I pray, read scripture and commune with God. These intentional days have become for me a powerful practice of listening, reflecting, and recalibrating life. Let’s explore how including this regularly can have a profound impact on your life.
The power of quiet: creating a John Stott day
When John Stott shared with us his practice of setting aside one day a month for time with God, he emphasized the goal wasn’t productivity but presence.
When I first tried it, I went away to a quiet beach with a cliff overlooking the ocean. The first hour was a battle to quiet my busy mind. But once the noise settled, I began to hear God in ways I never had before. On my John Stott days I’ve heard so much from God and received clear direction on issues – that would not have happened on a normal day. These days have taught me the value of being over doing.
How to plan your own John Stott Day
- Choose a space free from distractions – away from day-to-day interruptions. This could be a park, a retreat centre, or even a quiet room at home.
- Dedicate 6-8 hours to be alone with God. Pray, read Scripture, journal, and walk without an agenda.
- Listen. Allow God to speak into areas of your life that need attention or change. Be ready with a pen and pad to note down all you hear Him saying to you.
Legacy moments: The impact of taking John Stott Days
Stepping away from the hustle of everyday life creates space for key values and perspectives to emerge, influencing your decisions and actions. Living a life of legacy is one of my values and one of the ways that I seek to do that is by valuing relationships.
One of the hardest realizations I had to face was how my busyness created barriers in my relationships. Friends thought they couldn’t reach out unless it was life-threatening. That perception broke my heart. I therefore decided that relationships would always come first. No matter how busy I am, if a friend or family member needs me, I’ll show up. This small change has brought deep joy and healing.
Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to run the race set before us with endurance. Living a life of reflection and legacy isn’t about performance, it’s about focus. It’s about asking, ‘Am I pouring into the things that matter most?’
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
ACTION STEPS
Consider what step you need to take today to steward your time and legacy well. It could be as simple as setting aside one hour a week to reflect and pray; and then growing from there. Everyone’s race is different. My prayer is that each of us runs well, living a life without regret, and leaving a legacy of faith and love.
