Overload

Why do you suppose it is that people in general, and I (and my mom and siblings) have a tendency to take responsibility for just…well…EVERYTHING? Intellectually I can tell you that I understand that I am only “responsible for the lower left-hand corner of the big picture…” (that’s a Dad-ism). Emotionally, however it is hard to shut off the voice that says I could be doing more or better…It is easier for me to take care of others than it is for me to take care of myself. It’s my JOB, my DUTY to make things better for the people I love, right? Right?!

Right.

The truth is that I do feel a calling to serve others. To bring comfort or lasagna…or both. Another truth, just as important is that I am no good (or perhaps less good) to the people who truly need me if I am exhausted and wrung out. And the people who love me enjoy and appreciate, I think, the efforts I make on their behalf…but more than those acts of love they want me to be well and whole. I can’t be all things to all people if I can’t be careful of the finite resources like my energy, stamina, filter…part of the role of the servant’s heart is to recognize when to switch off and recharge the battery. I may be exhausted and worried and frustrated, but it will ALL look better and I will RALLY after I have had a little rest. The world, will not, in fact stop turning if I take a minute to take care of my own needs.

You might not need to hear that, but I need a gentle reminder every now and again.