Burn Out
Rikki Permenter, MAMFC, Th. M.
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
- Mark 6:30-32
Lately, I have heard many of my friends and family speak of being physically and emotionally tired, exhausted, stretched too thin, burnt out, and overworked. They wake up thinking about what time they will be able to get back in bed at night and get excited when plans get canceled. They never feel fully caught up on whatever the task may be so they are always running behind and running late. I don’t think this is isolated to my friends and family or even to me. I think this feeling is common among Christians in all phases and stages of life.
A mentor once told me “Sometimes one of the most spiritual things you can do is to take a nap.” While a good nap can fix almost anything the word “no” can fix even more. Most people have various things in their schedule that they don’t enjoy or are no longer functional for them to do. Saying no, especially in a church setting, frees up many things that you are not called to do for others who are called to do them. It also frees up your time to help you focus on the things that are most important to you. Take an inventory of how you spend your time and identify things you can cut out.
Once you’ve mastered saying no you’ll have the time to seek solitude. There are many practical ways to seek solitude. You can remove clutter or “visual noise” from your living space. You can begin to be intentional about the types of things you listen to in your home, car, and office. You can take time out of your day to sit in silence. Maybe outdoors are relaxing to you - spend time there. Maybe indoors are relaxing to you - spend time there. Do things you enjoy.
Another mentor repeatedly reminds me, “take time for yourself - it is the least selfish thing you can do.” Get the amount of sleep you need, take care of yourself physically, eat regularly and eat healthier than you do. To feel fully rested (emotionally and physically) you need time for solitude and sleep. Follow Jesus’ example and the directions he gave the apostles: take time for leisure, sleeping, eating, and solitude.
This article can be found in print in the monthly Baptist Association of Southeast Louisiana newsletter.
