“How are you doing with all the big changes in your life lately?”
This question has been asked of me many times over the past year and a half, as I’ve released two books while also supporting my husband through a leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
Most times when I’m asked that question, I can genuinely smile and say, “I’m at peace.” Other times the weight of life and responsibility has buried me under a mound of exhaustion.
Big life changes have a way of doing that to anyone. But I’ve found that we mamas are experts at carrying our own burdens along with the burdens of those around us.
The past eighteen months haven’t been easy, but they’ve shown me so much about myself and God’s heart for me. Even though it’s summertime, you may find yourself in the middle of a big life transition or battling burnout. Or maybe you anticipate a stressful time in the months ahead. Here’s what I’ve learned that may help you too…
Burnout is a sign that something needs to change
Sometimes burnout is a result of things out of my control. That means I may need to change my perspective as I walk through a stressful season. Other times, I do have control over my schedule and my time commitments. When I reach a point of burnout, it’s a sign that I need to evaluate and change how I approach my calendar, maybe releasing something from my to-do list or simply releasing my expectations of perfection.
I can’t help others if I’m not taking care of myself
Oh, how I wish I could give and help and be Super Woman to everyone and everything. But the reality is, I can’t. And if I allow the scale to tip too far in the direction of giving and helping so much that I have no time for physical rest and rejuvenation, I’m not giving much to others…except my leftovers.
My time with God should never be sacrificed for the sake of busyness
Bible reading and prayer have to be top priority no matter the season of life. I love how Lysa TerKeurst worded it in a recent podcast interview: “We have to turn down the volume of the world—turn off the noise of our TVs, our phones, social media—and turn up the volume of praise music and God’s Word in our hearts.” Nothing is more important than filling up on His words and presence.
My family should never be sacrificed for the sake of my busyness
I’m a firm believer in following God’s leading, and I’m so grateful for the privilege of being an author and speaker. Sometimes He calls me away from home to work or speak, and that’s okay. But when I’m so stretched thin that I have no room to sit with my family in an unrushed way—to truly see them and listen to their needs—something needs to be adjusted.
When I’m burnt out, I miss out on the beauty of gratitude
In my rush to stay afloat, I forget to look around me and notice details. I forget to pause and listen to the laughter of my kids. I forget to see beauty in the simplest displays of God’s creation. When I leave myself no breathing room, life becomes hard. Stressful. And gratitude slips from the forefront of my mind.
I don’t know where you’re at right now—whether you’re stretched thin or enjoying a balanced schedule. Maybe God has changes on your horizon or maybe He doesn’t. No matter what, I’ve learned that it’s vital to stay tuned to His voice.
He can use your quieter seasons to whisper new truths to your heart. And He can use your seasons of burnout to prompt change, to remind you of what’s most important, and to center your heart on Him.
I’m joining you in the journey,
Sarah
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