Happy Wednesday, church family!
For any of you who thought Sunday’s sermon was directed at you, or the person sitting next to you, I hate to break it to you; there was a megaphone pointed directly at me. Ask Debbie, Matt, and Kris, all who were sitting with me in the tech booth. When Andy was talking about taking things on, controlling situations, and burnout, I slouched down so low, Matt said I’d halved my size in 2 seconds flat. Debbie gave me a knowing look, and Kris said, “Oh, I can’t WAIT for this week’s email. Well, Kris, here you go!
I woke up this morning with absolutely zero energy. I slept decent, minus Dave’s snoring and a cat walking across my face, but still, I felt spent. I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to figure out if my morning workout or shower was plausible. What the heck? Mornings are usually the time I bustle around the house, getting all the things done. Yet, there I was, sitting like a blob. I did manage to get myself to the church office, which is where I sit right now, typing, and trying to muster up energy for the day. Andy’s words from Sunday’s sermon are currently flashing in neon lights in my head-
Burnout says, ‘I need to do more to be ok. Endurance says ‘I am more than okay with Jesus, so I can keep going with Him.’
My friends, today, this week, last week, currently, I find myself in burnout.
I think of burnout as doing too much physically, taking on too many responsibilities, etc. What I forget is that spiritual and mental burnout is just as powerful, if not moreso. And that is where I find myself. Here’s the CliffsNotes version: I’m taking on too much emotionally. I’m really good at taking on my kids’ burdens, stressing about issues in their life, letting little “back burner” issues fester and steam too much. I want to make sure everyone is ok, at peace, and “fixed”. Something in my head (spoiler, I’m pretty sure it’s NOT God) whispers that to show my love, my care, concern, I have to hold all these things for people. Ironically, the more I take on mentally, the less I’m actually able to be there for the people I love. Fabulous.
Here’s the thing: Jesus does not intend for me to burn out by loving and being there for my people. He gives me endurance to do those things done healthily, with Him. When I am there for someone in a healthy way, I listen, love, don’t judge (all things I’m good at!) Then I give their/my worries and anxieties to Jesus to hold. I am there to walk with them through life, to feel the lightness when Jesus takes the yoke. I help my children grow by stepping back, and letting them experience life with me by their side, not trying to do life for them. THIS is how I want to be there for my people.
Jesus, I choose to shift from burning out over carrying too much, to using the endurance You give me. Thank You for giving me people in my life to love and care for. I give You the yoke I’ve tried to carry for everyone, and in exchange receive Your truth that I don’t have to carry burdens for my loved ones to show how much I care. Bless and seal these good things in me. In Your precious name, amen.
May your week be blessed,
Lisa
