Living in the Spirit

October 20, 2022

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. –2 Timothy 4:6-8

A libation is a liquid like wine or water poured out to symbolize total surrender* often to God. I am sure Paul experienced the feeling of being totally poured out as he indicated he had run his race; he was near the finish line. When I was still in my 20s, I experienced what is now called burnout. The word is tossed around rather loosely, but it is a very real condition** that needs to be recognized and treated. Lack of control, unclear job expectations, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, extremes of activity, lack of social support, and work-life imbalance** are causes of burnout in the workplace but they also relate to all of life. The more of these issues that one faces at once burnout deepens.  Our entire world is recovering from these life situations as we crawl out of the grasp of COVID. While it affected all our work lives and school, it also touched on every part of our lives and still is to some extent. I got my third booster shot yesterday along with my flu shot. Just as we seem to be returning to normal climate change rears up to remind us of another major challenge with which we must deal as some of the worst weather in recorded history causes death and destruction.

We need to check our habits: eat right, exercise, avoid alcohol or food overindulgence, get adequate sleep, and if indicated get professional help. More than anything, we must enrich our lives with God. Take time to meditate and pray. I love the story of Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:16-40). Listen to helpful music. I have a DVD of old favorite hymns that soothes my weary soul when I need it. Intentionally practice loving ourselves and loving others.

Prayer: Lord, life has been difficult for people since the beginning of time, surround us with your fortitude as we fight the good fight and continue to build a better world for all people. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/4689.htm

** For more information about burnout see https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.