I was reading some old journal entries. This is a great practice that helps put our blessings and struggles in perspective over the long haul. Too often I exaggerate the severity of the average crisis and forget the many blessings. Anyway, I came across something that I wrote last year during a time of exhaustion. At that moment I was trying to unravel why I have such a hard time resting and so often tend towards busyness and burnout. Reading this old entry was helpful for me, and perhaps it will encourage you.
“Why do we like/love the burnout trail? Being busy makes us feel important or even superior.
This level of busyness [to the point of exhaustion and burnout] though hard in the long run is emotionally easier in the short run Than:
- Defining priorities
- Saying no to people and risking their disappointment
- Facing the fear of missing out
- Disciplining myself to follow through on decisions and priorities
- Doing the hard work of thinking ahead about calendar issues
- Investing in people and giving them feedback”
I was struck at how often frenetic busyness is the way I avoid the really challenging and important emotional work that needs to be done. God help me to grow!
