Iused to work in operations within the Supply Chain function and one of the things you never want to experience on a production line is an unplanned stoppage. These incidents bring multiple layers of discomfort to the business. The most immediate and visible impact is loss of revenue, followed closely by increased operational and structural costs.
Unplanned stoppages often require the engagement of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to troubleshoot the production line, diagnose what went wrong, why it happened and how to fix it. Beyond repairs, they usually also have to retrain the ground team in order to equip them to better anticipate similar issues and implement best practices to prevent recurrence. In any operation, unplanned stoppages significantly erode productivity, stability and confidence.
On the other hand, there is another concept in operations known as a planned shutdown. While productivity may temporarily dip during this period, the intent is clear and strategic: system upgrades, preventive maintenance, process improvements and long-term efficiency gains. When a planned shutdown is executed well, the system comes back stronger, more productive, more consistent and more resilient. In operations, this is always the preferred outcome.
Interestingly, these operational principles mirror the season we find ourselves in- December, ‘secularly’ referred to as Detty December. For many, it has been an intense year across different aspects of life and December traditionally becomes a time to unwind, reset and let loose. Even in work meetings during this season, I’ve observed people frequently losing their train of thought. As the saying goes, the workers have stopped working, and only labourers are left. Labourers still dey “cho cho cho.”
Recently, there was also the “involve me” trend, which I (Habib) interpret as people opening their schedules to incessant interruptions as part of their reset and social reconnection. And truly, rest is not a foreign concept to faith. It is captured in Genesis, even God rested after His work on the seventh day.
“And God blessed the seventh day, and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.” — Genesis 2:3 (NLT)
Ecclesiastes further helps us understand that there is a place for merriment and enjoyment:
“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw that it was from the hand of God.” — Ecclesiastes 2:24 (KJV)
Several other portions validate this same truth (Ecclesiastes 3:13; 5:18–19).
However, as believers, while we fully acknowledge the importance of rest, reset and recovery, it is imperative that we do so with wisdom (refer to the Proving Proverbs series). Rest should be intentional, structured and aligned with purpose, so that we do not kick-start the new year only to then be wound up like a Lister generator (IYKYK), where all the spiritual capital gains, growth and walk in righteousness are lost on the Oblée altar. That would be a real shame.
What unplanned stoppages look like in this season is indulging in all the pleasures December offers without caution, boundaries or decorum; eating all the eatables, buying all the buy-ables, going to all the go-ables, sleeping all the sleep-ables, drinking all the drink-ables and gisting all the gist-ables.
When rest loses discipline, it no longer restores, it disrupts (like a tap with a broken knob, which when turned on, floods the house). A season meant to refresh can quietly derail momentum, clarity and preparedness for what lies ahead in 2026.
Even after you have listened to Pastor Mayowa’s message on “What to Do Ahead of 2026,” set in motion every step enumerated and have gained clarity on the direction God intends for you, all of that can still be lost to unplanned stoppages this season.
So then, what does a “planned shutdown” look like, Pastor Habib?
Planned Shutdown Looks Like This:
- Be deliberate about where you go and who you visit
You perhaps have not seen your family this year or spent quality time with them, this is the season to create holiday memories with them. It is a season to be guided on the parties you go for and knowing when your time there has elapsed. Paul speaking to the church in Rome said:
“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarrelling and jealousy.” — Romans 13 vs 13 (NLT)
2. Define boundaries for indulgence
Enjoy the season but decide ahead of time how much is enough
You say, “I am allowed to do anything” — but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything — 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)
3. Protect your spiritual rhythm.
Prayer and the Word, must not go on holiday.
“Pray without ceasing” — 1 Thessalonians 5 vs 17 9 (KJV)
4. Keep a heart of gratitude
Do not use this season as an opportunity to rebel against God for goals you feel you should have achieved. Avoid being ungrateful, unkind or wallowing in pity- and do not focus only on receiving gifts without being a blessing to others.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5 vs 18 (KJV)
A planned shutdown is not about denial; it is about alignment. It allows you to enjoy the season without losing your bearings, rest without regression and celebrate without compromise, so that when the system comes back up, it does so stronger, clearer and ready for x100 as prophesied.
Tribesmen, HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE!
Keeping with the Vision,
Hammed Habib
IG: @Capt_habobo
Push Buttons is a weekly devotional of The PowerPoint Tribe.