We have a running ‘joke’ at my house- If I’m awake, I’m sleepy. It comes from perpetually getting up too early and staying up too late. I honestly try to get eight hours of sleep and most nights I hit it pretty close, but I think my body needs nine or so. My alarm is set for 4:40 (yeah, I know) so I’m right there with my littlest one, ready for bed at, oh, 8:30. Ah 8:30. I wish. It’s usually 10 or so before I get to sleep, so I operate at constant sleep deficit.

I get spiritually exhausted too. There’s so much stuff to do in order to ‘do’ church, it’s easy to forgo spiritual rest. If you forgo rest long enough, you burn out. Believe me, I’ve been there. I don’t think that’s what God ever intends for us.

Here’s what I’m learning and changing.

1. If it doesn’t bring joy, I avoid it. Jesus promised His yoke was easy and His burden light. If I’m dreading some activity or if a ministry is sucking the life out of me, it needs to go.

2. There is no limit to what could or even should be done, but I am limited.

3. I need to minister, but I also need be ministered to, although not necessarily in equal measure. We had a fellowship not long ago, and I just had to show up. I hadn’t helped plan it or put it together. I just got to enjoy it. That was so refreshing. One of those every now and then is a real boost!

4. Two words – “Good enough”. This is freedom from perfectionism. I try to do the best I can with everything, but sometimes you have to cut yourself some slack.