Epic Family,
If we’re going to make it through this time, we’re going to have to do something with our fatigue. Let’s just be honest - we are so over this season! We are tired of Zoom calls, face coverings, the lack of fun opportunities, restrictions on being with groups of people, and so much more. This is even true for those of us who have done relatively well in our current reality. We don’t need to feel bad that we’re tired of this season, but we do need to discover how to deal with our fatigue.
Spiritual Practices. I really hope you’ll engage in the new series we kicked off this past Sunday called Practicing the Way. There are so many benefits to these spiritual practices, but rest for our souls is one of them. Psalm 62:1 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” When we spend time with God, He refreshes our souls (see Psalm 23:3). In my own life, these practices can seem counterintuitive when it comes to dealing with my fatigue. What I mean is that the best time for me to engage in these practices is early in the morning. For that to happen, I have to get myself out of the bed. Sometimes it is extra sleep that we need (see next section), but other times our communion with God is what is most needed to bring us to a place of restoration.
Sleep. Psalm 127:2 says, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves.” When our anxiety is high, good sleep can be hard to come by. If you’re looking for a helpful book on the idea of soul replenishment, check out The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan - it’s one of my all-time favorites. Here is one thing he says about sleep: “We sleep simply because we know that God will look after us. There is no rest for those who do not believe that.” Most of us remember the day that Jesus calmed the storm. But do you remember what he was doing when the storm was freaking out his disciples??? That’s right; he was SLEEPING.
Exercise. I think it’s important that we move our bodies several times a day. One of the things I’ve discovered in this current season is that exercising in the early afternoon can bring a renewal of energy. I’ve been running with my daughter, Kavita. I’ve been playing sports at parks with my three boys. And I really enjoy going on long walks with Shauna. Find what works for you and stick to it.
Set boundaries around work. Because work is never done and now most of us work from home, our boundaries will erode unless we are intentional with them. Declare when you will work and when you won’t touch work. I know this is challenging, but I promise you we will all be better at work and life if we aren’t allowing constant work to keep us exhausted and overwhelmed. Set your boundaries around work, tell a friend or spouse, and ask them to keep you accountable.
Get clear on what is life-giving for you. Open up whatever app you take notes on or get out a sheet of paper. Make two columns and be ruthlessly honest with yourself. Here are the two columns: Life-Draining and Life-Giving. There are things that drain you and other things that give you life. After you make your “life-giving” list, I think it’s really important that you get some of these things into your schedule every single day. Here are a few things that I currently have on my life-giving list: date night with Shauna, running, cooking, building fires on our back patio, and great conversations/walks with close friends. How about you?
I’m praying for all of you who are struggling with fatigue in this season. You aren’t alone. Be gracious with yourself, knowing God is gracious to you as well.
Much Love,
