My heart sinks when I hear
someone say: “I feel so overwhelmed, overscheduled and fatigued that I am
afraid I am bypassing my divine life’s purpose.” Each time I hear the framework
of those words, a familiar arrow hits my heart. I know what it feels like to function at Mach
2 speed. I am a card carrying member of this generation that is running on a
depleted “soul tank.” Like unrelenting
shock waves I hear stories of another blown up marriage or someone unraveling
like an ‘out of control’ scotch-tape dispenser. Years ago I came to the
shocking realization that I had to make some relentless decisions to slow down
and leave more margins in my life. This revelation came to me in a large
grocery store.
In the middle of Aisle 5
of the canned fruits and vegetables I flipped out over the fact that the store
had run out of their cranberry sauce. Before you chastise me, you have to
understand it was three days before Christmas and I was exhausted and running
late. Back then I didn’t realize the
danger of running on a depleted soul. When our bodies are ready to crumble
under fatigue, it doesn’t take a universal catastrophe to crush the last
remnants of our sanity. After I was rude
to the clerk and stomped out of the store, I sat in my car and submitted to my inexcusable,
shameful behavior. Something was wrong and it had to change. I was not
experiencing the life that Jesus said is available to all of us. The bible
says: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT).
I know that you and I do
not want to miss out on the fulfilling life that is right in front of our
noses. But how do we re-schedule our days,
dismiss some obligations, disappoint people and give up our people-pleasing gratification? We need to be able to orchestrate our
lives through a wiser grid. Let’s recognize the fact that we are modeling this
behavior to a younger generation that is already struggling with depleted
souls. Instead of beating ourselves up with endless obligation we need to model
more Christ-like tenderness towards ourselves and others. How then do we change the tension of all our demands into a nourishing
tenderness?
Please know that as I am
writing this article I am not the teacher who has it all figured out and is
giving self-righteous advice. I am still the student. Changing tension into
tenderness is a daily struggle and commitment.
But I do know this: it is my responsibility to guard against the
constant barrage of invading tension. The bible tells me that this all starts
in my heart: “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of
life” (Proverbs 4:23). Here are 4 things that help me.
1. I must realize that my heart is the essence of who I am. It
is where all my passions, desires and dreams live. It is the part that connects
me with God and all people around me. I need to listen to the murmurings of my
heart and make it a top priority to keep it physically, spiritually and
emotionally healthy.
2. Know that my heart is under constant attack from the demands
of life around me. No one else can change my tension into tenderness. Every
choice I make is in my power and I need God to help me.
3. I must be brutally honest about why I am trying to cram so
much into my life. I need to ask some harsh questions. What is my distorted
vision and belief system which makes me believe I have value only when I work
so hard? Why do I feel jabs of guilt
when I goof off and feel unproductive? Do I continue to work to earn love and
approval from others instead of God?
4. Each day I end my time with God with this simple little
prayer. “God help me to do today what I need to do today. No more and no less.
To give glory to Your name. Amen.” It’s a simple prayer but it has revolutionized
my life and God is empowering me to keep my days balanced, so that I can enjoy
the rich and satisfying life available to me.
You and I live in the
daily tension of meeting life’s demands plus trying to find tenderness for our
own soul. The power lies in our hearts. I challenge you to make some bold
choices to change your tension into tenderness.
Heidi McLaughlin lives in
the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia.
She is married to Pastor Jack and they have a wonderful, eclectic blended
family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren. When Heidi is not working, she loves
to curl up with a great book, or golf and laugh with her husband and special
friends. You can reach her at: www.heartconnection.ca
2 comments:
This post really spoke to me - and I am sure to many others as well. We truly live in a 'soul-depleted' generation and the demands on our time are higher than ever. Thanks for reminding us to SLOW DOWN and refocus.
So true, Heidi. I've spent too much of my life and time trying to serve and give out of a state of depletion. Thank you for your candid sharing from your experience and the wisdom gained. ~~+~~
Post a Comment