From the book Equilibrium: 31 Ways to Stay Balanced on Life’s Uneven Surfaces.
Think back again about the right reasons you should do the right thing. If you are a follower of Jesus, remember His calling. You are invited to go and make disciples. The programs might overwhelm you. The people might devastate you. The expectations might engulf you. But return to why you do what you do, then get help so you can remove unnecessary pressure and unhealthy motives from your story.
Today, refuse to seek applause. Choose to be faithful in the small things, the unnoticeable things, the unremarkable things. Tiny steps toward a proper destination—take those. Deep breaths toward a willingness to relax amid the stress—take those. Days off rather than a search for a better job or better life or better high—take those. Long naps rather than more busyness to keep up with what others are doing—take those.
Today, decide to serve.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
(1 Peter 4:8–11, NIV)
Questions
Why do you do what you do? What do you love about it? What brings you the most stress? What are you doing with your hurt? If you left your present vocation and location, what hurts might you carry with you? If you stay, how can you serve as a shining light to those around you?
Suggestions
Rather than investing all your energy on what you do, remember why you do what you do. Before rushing any decision to leave, search for something bigger and better, or live with a sense of defeat, spend time with Jesus, with a counselor or life coach or trusted friend, write your feelings down, and refuse to make a choice when your emotions are unstable. It is always better to leave in a good mood than run away during a crisis. Wait in a healthy way—getting help, facing reality, and refusing to deny your pain.
