As Assistants, we have learned to maximize systems in order to maximize our productivity. And while that can be a good thing, it becomes detrimental when it lures us into believing that frenzy is the minimum, expected pace. When we find ourselves rushing, pushing, running through our days that we completely miss the treasured souls in front of us, or even the clamor of our own souls for needed attention, that’s when we’ve entered dangerous territory.
Personally, I’ve experienced times in my life that my body has simply put me in time out. I’ve gotten sick or so exhausted that I have slept for nearly 72 hours straight. Occasional small sips of water, brief trips to the rest room, and then fallen back into bed just as weary as when I first landed there. The fact that this happened is not nearly as mind boggling as the fact that it happened more than once! What was I thinking?
Apparently, I was thinking that I am Wonder Woman. I believed the lie that I could keep adding to my plate without giving up something already on it. I believed that I could keep adding balls into the juggling rotation without something being dropped. God did not design me to be a fictional superhero. He designed me to be His daughter, Kelly.
I was in my 50’s when I first had the opportunity to experience a sabbatical. The idea of having four weeks away from my ministry work responsibilities was a new thing for me. First the guilt of setting down my responsibilities was a bit of a hurdle for this high-responsibility woman. Once I got past that, the temptation to fill the days with all kinds of activity was very real! But I was encouraged (lovingly warned) by others who had gone before me to build in open space alongside the planned space. Protect the “no plan” days because that is where we can more easily hear the voice of the Lord. And that is what I really wanted out of the experience. It took more than 50 years for me to develop the habit of frenzy, so it was a precious gift to have quiet, peace, and stillness celebrated! I came away from my sabbatical so changed that I committed to building the essence of it into my daily life. Some days I get it better than others and even that is alright because I am a work in progress.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,
not for human masters…
Colossians 3:23
When we give ourselves the grace to release the unrealistic expectations we have placed on ourselves, or have been placed on us by others, we open the door for God’s grace to flood in. And by His grace all can be accomplished in the way He intended – without fear or guilt or shame or exhaustion, but with power and love and joy and growth.
Recently the poem, For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing by John O’Donohue was introduced to me. Let me encourage you to pause and read it for – and to – yourself. His voice is kind and understanding. I hope you find it encouraging as you remind yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God. Not a task-master god. Let me encourage you to pause and evaluate your pace. Be exceedingly gentle with yourself. Is your family taking a back seat on a far-too-regular basis? Are you giving yourself space for rest? Do you give yourself the same grace you offer to others? We cannot complete the work that the Lord has entrusted to us when we are exhausted from trying to keep a pace that does not align with God’s best for us. He never intended for us to do this without Him, and He does not keep a frenzied pace. He is peace. He is joy. He is love. He is faithful. He is light. He is patient. He is good. He is perfect. He is righteousness. He is compassion. And He wants you to know…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 