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Burn Out? Or Are You Just Tired?
A pastor friend and I were recently talking about burn out. Both of us have been running on fumes lately. Usually that’s when you start wondering if you are burnt out. As we were talking I think I had an ah-ha moment.
Here’s my thought:
Burn out generally comes when you are not serving, living in the midst of your gifts and strengths.
When you are living in your gifts and strengths, and you think you are burning out. Its probably more true that you are tired and you need some sabbath. You need some rest.
Out of your gifting = burnout.
Living in your gifting = tired.Out of your gifting = make a change.
Living in your gifting = make time for sabbath.
I think these are generally true. Maybe not true for all time in all situations.
But, this last month or so I have been worn out. I was wondering if I was burning out.
It’s amazing what a few different sabbath experiences did to re-energize me.
carol h said...
109/10/08 12:47 AM | Comment Link |
really good Todd. I think you have put it well. I find I have to fight for the sabbath, even at this stage of my life…its counter cultural and counter intuitive most of the time…but it’s what makes the difference. thanks for putting it into words..
Tom said...
209/10/08 2:20 PM | Comment Link |
Dude,
You know my story. I’m burned out and tired. Just ask my wife. A big clue that I’ve crossed over some kind of emotional or physical or spiritual (which is it?) boundary marker into the land of burnout is the joylessness that continually dogs me. So often I’m just going through the motions. And that scares me.
Tom
Gerald Hiestand said...
309/10/08 2:48 PM | Comment Link |
Great formula!
Lon said...
409/10/08 4:18 PM | Comment Link |
makes total sense man…
and dude, i love your template everytime i see it!
Ginger said...
509/12/08 8:48 AM | Comment Link |
I’m wondering where the Holy Spirit comes into this formula. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Yes, but it’s so easy (I find) to lose touch with the source of my strength.
I would agree that serving within our areas of giftedness is easier and more energizing. I can go farther with more passion in those areas. But sometimes there is need in other, less “fun” places. I do work in children’s ministry and nursery care on a limited basis because the need is always there. Not my first choice. It forces me to realize my insufficiences and pray profusely.
I guess my point is, there’s a constant process of discernment involved in where to serve (or not). Many times this will go with the grain of our temperament and gifting. Other times we need to be stretched and get out of our comfort zones. The Holy Spirit needs to be sought out as our active guide and wellspring of power.
Beth said...
609/15/08 1:39 PM | Comment Link |
and I am so thankful that Ginger and others are willing to help out with children’s ministry…step out of their comfort zone…to fulfill a need…YES it feels good to serve in your area of giftedness….but i agree that if we don’t step away and work in those areas that might stretch us we are missing out on some growth and lessons that God may want to show us!
Thanks for your thoughts Todd…and Ginger! We will miss you Ginger!