Psalm 51:12 – Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
It happens to all of us. We encounter a period of several weeks where we have an especially hectic schedule. Things start to fall off of our plates because we’ve got too much going on. I don’t know about you, but when this happens to me, self-care is often the first thing “off of my plate”. I eat on the run, stay up late and cut back on sleep, exercise goes out the window, along with any purposeful time with God.
Too many days lived in such a manner and we’ve gotten ourselves into a dry spell. Some people live most of their lives this way! The adrenaline rush of busyness becomes an addiction. The need to feel needed and involved drives our habit of never saying “no”. Overdrive can become a lifestyle.
The problem with overdrive is that we lose our joy in serving and living life. Our souls become thirsty. Our bodies turn weary. Grabbing a PopTart on the way out the door is only sustainable for so long.
The other Sunday in our adult class, we got on the topic of “blue laws” and the days when it was mandated that all businesses remain closed on Sundays. It was a way of enforcing the “Sabbath” – our communal day of rest. Not a bad idea! Those days are long gone, but the premise is a good one. We truly need a slower pace and time off to feed our souls.
What can you take off of your plate? God never intended 24/7 busyness. Periods of overdrive are inevitable, but a lifestyle spent on the run is not. Jesus was a terrific example of refueling the soul. Times where he went away from the crowds to pray, sleep, and refresh are necessary for us all. Let’s plan a little Sabbath time into our coming week!
Blessings,
Diana Kongkeattikul
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