A feeling of total exhaustion reared its head again this week. Exhaustion is defined as being completely used up; yep, that was me. Caring for home and work responsibilities and family seemed overwhelming.

My ‘free time’  was never enough. I wanted to drive through the country, photograph barns and clouds and cows. Time, energy, and the will to push on dwindled fast.

Ever been there? Are you there now? It’s hard to pull out of that mode. Don’t want to do anything, see anyone, talk on the phone, or eat — well, let’s re-think that last one!

I needed a short break. A steaming cup of Hazelnut coffee, double chocolate protein bar, my feet up on a cozy pillow a few minutes should do the trick!

Clicked on the TV for a bit of music. Before I could switch the dial, I was mesmerized by the screen. A young man’s face literally lit up as he shared the joy in his heart. He seemed to be on top of a desk as he talked freely about how blessed he was and how much God had done for him.

As the cameraman turned the focus from the huge audience back to the speaker, he was actually perched on the top of a desk! This was my first encounter with Nick VuJicic (click to see photo). Nick was born in Australia without arms or legs. His parents had worked hard to get him accepted in a public school where, from an early age, he accomplished what seemed impossible. He learned to use his one “foot” to type on a computer and perform many other tasks.

My feet slid off the stool and onto the floor. I sat straight up in my chair staring in disbelief as he continued talking about how anything is possible if you want it badly enough. His early years, I am sure, were extremely difficult. I realized my present tiredness would not hold a candle to his true exhaustion as he worked every day to strengthen and train what muscles he had to achieve his goals.

I struggle with finding time to meet writing deadlines, to read more books, to become a more faithful witness and friend to others. It takes so little to pull me away from my goals; I wonder how committed I am to finding my purpose.

According to this young man, life without purpose is no life at all. Living without limbs, he is an author, musician, actor, and his hobbies include fishing, painting and swimming. Nick says, “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”

Well, dear friends, that program sure did a lot for my exhaustion! I turned off the television, finished cleaning the room, washed and put away another load of laundry, and sorted the stack of papers lining the dining table. (My husband will be in shock!)

You know me well enough to know, I believe we need to rest when we are tired. I believe we need to care for ourselves as we care for others. I believe there is a time to work and a time to play. I believe total exhaustion is real! There are times in our lives when we must stop and care for ourselves.

However, there is also—at least in my life—a form of tiredness that comes from “stinkin’ thinkin’” and I am choosing to change that attitude every time it appears.

I pray for you to find rest and renewal in your life today.

Hugs,

Click here for encouraging words from me; offering hope and help.