A Cooling-Off Period

Leadership

It wasn't part of our weekend plans. In fact, our entire weekend plans consisted of having no plans to do absolutely nothing. We had been going pretty hard for the last few months, had a big week ahead of us, and we were tired, a little burnt out, and feeling behind.

We had closets to clean, some work to do, and a list of things to take care of at home. But when our friends reached out and invited us over for lunch, we immediately said yes. We have been friends for a long time. They have been through some life recently- his mother, whom I've known for 50 years, was in town, and quite frankly, we just wanted to spend some time together. Plus, they were cooking, so that was a win!

The food was great, the conversation all over the board, and we left energized and happy that we went. Our bellies and hearts were full. And all of those menial tasks we had on our to-do list... well, they are still there and just as unimportant as they were before.

"They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people." (Acts 2:46-47)

Did you realize that one of the big contributors to burnout is isolation?

Constantly running, carrying a heavy load, feeling like you are the only one, and then holing up alone or with a screen with no relational outlet to offload it to. Even if others are around, you mentally and emotionally isolate yourself, with the inner pressure just building until it finally blows your top. It's dangerous and all too common.

On the flip side, fellowship is a key part of living a joyful life. Eating together, laughing together, sharing burdens with each other, and enjoying the goodwill of God and others. It's part of our design. As humans, we need other humans. We are all so different and complete each other, filling in gaps that alone we just feel empty. I love that in the book of Genesis, God says he created man in his own image, both man and woman together. It's in togetherness that we are in His image.

If you are feeling burnout, exhaustion, or on edge, rest is important for sure. But be careful not to isolate yourself under the illusion that rest alone is enough. Isolation is the devil's ploy. Find people to share a meal with, go to church and worship with others around, catch a ball game or a play, and spend time in fellowship with other people. Doing so will inject you with the goodwill and joy that only comes from spending time with friends and God, and giving burnout a cooling-off period.