Long Talk….

One of my favorite scriptures is the Beatitudes, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. I have this image in my mind of Jesus on the mountainside, the disciples are close, the religious authorities are somewhere breathing in the rarified air, and people as far as the eye can see. People of all walks of life, and people at different places in their faith. Over and over, Jesus says, “Blessed are”, “blessed are”, and “blessed are.” Then Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” I wonder what the crowds thought as Jesus spoke these words to them? What is our response? You are the light of the world, who me? Yea right?

As I prepare for my sabbatical, I am learning and understanding the importance of self-care. Unless we are willing to replenish ourselves, our light within will turn dim. Richard Rohr says, “The mind wants a job and loves to process things. The key to stopping this game is, quite simply, peace, silence, or stillness.” I’m sure this comes natural to others, but for me it’s a growing edge. My mind spins, spins, and spins some more.

I found it interesting that when one travels outside the United States, one is asked about family, children, etc. However, in America, the first question we asked is often, “What do you do for a living?” It’s hard for me to admit, I have spent most of my life focusing on doing rather than being. This shouldn’t surprise anyone that knows me. I have one speed, full throttle. My mind spins with all kinds of ideas for sermons, ministries, and innovative ways to reach people for Christ. Somewhere along the way, I forgot that I was not created as a human doing, but a human being. I have been uniquely created to be in relationship with God, and others to advance God’s kingdom.

The last few weeks, I have been reading, “Beyond Burnout” by Amy O’Hana, PhD. A very kind couple gave me this book to read. I have to admit, I was taken back by one word on the cover, burnout. The first thought that came to mind, “No I’m not!” I didn’t make it past the introduction when I realized that I was more than tired. I cannot say enough how much this book has taught me already about myself, and the importance of removing the stigma from the word burnout. Most importantly, there is freedom in knowing that the word burnout doesn’t have the last say. I continue to be drawn to some other “Be’s” from O’Hana’s book, Be beckoned, be filled, be held, be whole and be released to mention just a few. I have also started reading and re-reading Romans 8:31-39, “Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God, not even burnout.

As I continue to muddle through this book, it continues to challenge me, and bless me. Just this afternoon, these words jumped off the pages, “Calling is someone to be, not something to do.” I keep wondering, “Why share something so personal?” Just hit delete! Then it dawned on me, this is part of my learning to be and my healing? Learning to be more authentic and real.

Proverbs 17:22, ” A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

Be Blessed,

Tom