Trading Out               

This past 4th of July I did just that. Sunscreen took the place of Kevlar and flip-flops replaced combat boots. My family went on our annual vacation to the Gulf Coast and it was sorely needed.

I struggle with knowing when to pump the brakes. I will give and give and give until I have nil left. The only thing I don’t give is myself permission to stop. When I am tired I am more perceptible to, frustration, outbursts of anger, overeating, forgetfulness, doubtfulness, and overall degradation of my self-worth. Ultimately this opens the door to sin in my life. No wonder God rested on the seventh day. He didn’t need to but I believe he was setting a precedent for us. God created us for many things, including rest.

In some misaligned train of thought, I’ve told myself by working constantly, I am doing good, and in turn, I will gain acceptance by others. If someone else is working around me, I cannot relax. I must get up and work until they rest. Couple that feeling with an inability to stay focused, especially when I am tired, and my goals and dreams are easily derailed. I am someone who is constantly working but never finishing. I am Sisyphus, never seeming to get the bolder to the top. Always doing, never finishing. My novel is just one such example.

This is not a revelation to me. I’ve known this about myself for a while and I’ve taught myself strategies to finish, though the struggle is daily. I’ve realized that even if I don’t need a break, my family does, and in giving them a break, I was actually the one in need of it most. We have a saying in law enforcement, you can’t help anyone if you don’t arrive safely. If you don’t take time to rest, you will burn out and you will not be there for those who need you.

So today, identify what you need to trade out. What self-made burdens can you cast off, even for a moment? If you struggle with finishing, I highly recommend the book, Finish, by Jon Acuff. Give it a look and keep on developing yourself, even if that means sitting down for a moment.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt. 11-28