Tag Archives: self-care

Burnout

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.

Giving Encouragement

Living in the Spirit
November 17, 2017

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

So then let us not fall asleep as those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
–1 Thessalonians 5:6-11

Sleep, of course, has its purpose in preparing us for the work of the day as does food and exercise, study and prayer. Our focus must, however, be on our purpose: building a world ruled by God’s love.

The need for quality sleep is in the news a lot. Modern people tend to sacrifice sleep for things they rank more important than sleep. Others get so caught up in the stress of the day; they cannot sleep as they revisit the problems turning them over and over in their minds. Still, others believe sleep allows time for our brains to process things unencumbered resulting in new insights.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in ev’ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice, who ruled them while He dwelt below.*

We do need to encourage one another whether we are missing sleep to sit with a sick friend or wrestling with an issue that seems to have no good conclusion or waiting patiently for God to open a window to let in light on a life situation ensconced in darkness.

Prayer: Lord, enable us all to be encouragers of others as we welcome encouragement ourselves. Amen.

Verses 1 and 2 of Be Still,My Soul by Kathrina von Schlegel see at https://hymnary.org/text/be_still_my_soul_the_lord_is_on_thy_side

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.