ATLANTA — Americans have created the ideal society by the world’s standards as verified through rising immigration rates. But success has come at a great price.

• They harnessed technology that promised to simplify and streamline their lives. Instead, it only brought a higher stress level and the coining of a new word – multitasking.
• The average worker added 199 work hours to his or her annual schedule between 1973 to 2000.
• Today Americans work an average of nine full weeks more per year than their European counterparts.

In short, they are working more but enjoying it less.

“More possessions through greater earning power has not brought the happiness many have sought,” said Tim Norton, executive director of the The Lord’s Day Alliance of the U.S. “And, in spite of Madison Avenue advertising that promises more happiness through increased consumption, the Good Life remains as elusive as ever.”

That’s why the Lord’s Day Alliance and the Massachusetts Council of Churches have joined forces to build awareness for the need for reclaiming a day of rest. Titled “Take Back Your Time,” the special emphasis will focus on setting aside time for personal renewal between Labor Day and Take Back Your Time Day – the fourth Sunday in October.

The emphasis is being promoted among all faith groups.

“God took seven days to create a perfect balance, including time for rest. Our society is out of balance and needs to take a closer look at what brings true happiness. It’s not more work or more possessions but stepping back and reflecting on life’s deeper meanings,” Diane Kessler, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches explained.

The emphasis will encourage Americans to commit at least four windows of time – ideally a consistent time each week for four weeks – for simple, restorative activities.

“There is a tremendous need for individuals to set aside time to be with self, God, family, community, and nature. It’s a time to restore our souls,” said Norton, whose national office is headquartered in the Baptist Center.

The goal is to separate oneself from the grind of everyday life. There would be no scheduled activities, no buying or selling, no stress, no intrusive technology. No obligations, no work, no guilt.

“It’s a foreign concept to many Americans, but one that is greatly needed in today’s world. It’s past time to restore the natural balance and rest that God intended for all of creation,” he stated.

The two faith groups are distributing resource materials to congregations upon request. Items, available for free, include suggested prayers, biblical reflections, a poster, bulletin insert, suggestions on how to observe a time of rest and reflection, a social justice fact sheet, legislative and public policy implications, and ideas for follow-up.

“Americans have, by far, the shortest paid vacations in the industrial world. Nearly 26 percent don’t take any vacation at all. It’s time that we take back our time,” Kessler said.

The emphasis is not just for laity. Studies have shown that clergy are among professionals with the longest work hours.

“The Lord’s Day Alliance and the Massachusetts Council of Churches are not asking for an unrealistic level of commitment. We are asking for only four windows of time, at the choosing of the participants, to re-create balance in their lives.”

“Imagine what your family could do, for example, if it set aside every Wednesday evening for a respite from work or extracurricular activities. Even children, who do not get much of a break from structured play, could benefit,” Norton added.

Coordinators of the event are hoping that congregations could catch the vision and encourage their members to participate in the Take Back Your Time emphasis. “Church members need role models to follow. We hope that church leaders will recognize the opportunity this emphasis can provide for churches that are willing to stop long enough to reflect on the busy-ness of their lives, both individually and as congregations,” Norton suggested.

The Lord’s Day Alliance has established a Weblog on their Web site, www.ldausa.org, where persons participating in Take Back Your Time can record their thoughts and dialogue with others.

For more information on how to Take Back Your Time, contact the Atlanta-based Lord’s Day Alliance of the U.S. at (770) 936-5376 or visit the Web site mentioned above.