Take Time To Breathe
I’m happy to say it’s 5pm and I’ve not left the house once. Even better I’ve not spent this Monday engaged in any major ministry. Monday’s are officially my day of rest except for true emergencies. Yes, my phone rings many times. Yes, there are still countless needs coming my way hourly. However, God has revealed to me that I must draw a very firm line in the sand.
I can’t live on call all the time. I can’t continuously pour out to others without becoming burnout myself. I absolutely love helping people find direction and hope. I love helping marriages, families, and those who feel like giving up. I love sharing God led encouraging words. But, I can only keep pouring out as I allow God to keep pouring into me.
I know because I’ve been a product of total burnout. I’ve had to step away from local church ministry before for two years just to get restored back to health. Just like it is for everyone my health must come before my help. Otherwise, I won’t be healthy or helping for very long.
If you don’t draw clear lines you will always cross those lines. Ignoring your own need for rest and renewal will only make you another burnout statistic. In my profession alone countless pastors are neglecting their own health and family.
I don’t plan to be one of the over 1800 ministers leaving the ministry every month for reasons other than retirement. Even after being in ministry over 25 years I must recognize my own humanity. I pray those reading this will guard their hearts, lives, and time.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
Pastor Craig Crosby 