Tag: tired

Afterthoughts – Wearing out

      We try to plan for it. Schedule breaks so we are prepared for it. But it usually just sneaks up on us. After a vigorous workout, a mentally challenging confrontation, or raising kids, we get to a point where we are simply worn out. New York traffic or the New Jersey Turnpike will do the same thing. We have all come to a point where there is just nothing left.

       We start to feel like well worn tires with very little life left in them. If any. Our life isn’t over yet, but it sure feels like it. Retreads are not the solution.

       I’ve had many times in my life where I simply could not go on. Taking a nap helps, but not always. [I’ve always had a terrible time shutting down my mind.] Why? Because the issues I face are still there, gnawing away at my heart, at my strength.

       In more recent days I’ve also deal with my old nemesis— depression. And my residual postcancer treatments also take a toll on me. Ah, the joys of aging! Ugh.

       So what can any of us do about wearing out?

       For one, keep active. I don’t mean start exercising when you retire at 65, but throughout life. The later you start, the harder it gets. Trust me.

       Get outdoors more. Sunshine, hiking in rain, overnight in a tent. All great things to do. Or, at the least, a game of tennis or round of golf. Avoid Bingo! You, know— sitting on your… .

       Grow new friendships. The old ones will stay there, or not. But new Friendships are like starting over.                                                       READ! I’ve developed quite a hunger for new ideas. My wife still loves her British murder mysteries, but, for me, ehhh, not so much. I’ll take a good cultural analysis any day.

       Spend more time listening for God to confide in you. You’re never alone. Get used to it. Our God is always just a heartbeat away. Sometimes, when you least expect it, He will ask you if you have any time for Him.

       Say yes.

       The other thing I do to keep from wearing out is to change my routine. At this stage in my life I find that “regular” is not the best for me. I feel trapped. Oh, except for going to the gym. THAT is a must M-W-F!

       Also, try new things. Ever been skydiving? Me either. But I sure wouldn’t mind. OK, too much? Try Israeli food or taking a course in geriatric personal defense. How about going for another college degree?

       On the other side— just take a rest! However you rest…, do that.

       There are so many ways to rest. Above all, stop striving! God may not be finished with you…, yet; but that doesn’t mean you have to do more.

Gary

NEXT —  CLUTTER!!!

More Tired

Photo by Marco Verch

In this sequel I want to raise the question— How can we fight this ceaseless exhaustion? This is no longer a Western problem. It’s worldwide. The Japanese are notorious for being workaholics; so now the rest of the world has stepped in line right behind them. We are ALL working our fingers to the bone.

       I’ve found some things that have worked for me I’d like to pass along to you. I hope they help. (I know this sounds like I am asking you to DO MORE. But this is not the purpose of the following list. It is a call to FOCUS. Who do you need to be as followers of Christ in this increasingly fracturing world?]

       Sooooo…

1.      Care about something. Anything. Deeply.

2.      Care passionately! All talk and no action isn’t good for any of us.

3.      Instill your passion in others. You won’t get very far taking it on alone.

4.      Join local and national communities that share your passion.

5.      Focus…, but be open to learn, to change.

6.      READ about the broad field of issues facing our nation and our world.

7.      What weapons will you need to overcome this lethargy?

       For me it’s always been about passion. When I was trudging through my dissertation, I came across a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrick Hegel [1770 – 1831].

Nothing great in the world

Has ever been accomplished

Without passion.  

I am a visual-kinesthetic. Doctoral dissertations are linear-sequential. I was very passionate about what I was writing. There were many times I simply wanted to give up. But I didn’t. Passion carried me through.

       We each have only so much time to address the agonies of our world. What will you tackle? When will you get started.?  Now would be a good time… .

       Now go take a nap to get ready!

Honor God, honor people, Make a difference!

Gary

Tired

       If we were to look at a cultural quilt of the United States, and even of the world, we would find that most cultures, politics, businesses, people groups, families and individuals could be described as tired. We’re tired of our political landscapes becoming even more vitriolic. We’re tired of culture strife & conflict. Tired of deceit in business and government. We want to feel safe in our families and communities again. We want to feel safe within ourselves.

       It seems as if our whole creation is groaning and in travail until our adoption as sons. (Romans 8:19-22) It is not like being sick. It is being sick. Our world, her nations, and powers are struggling with a long-term global sickness. To make matters worse, we, as inhabitants of this realm, aren’t doing so good ourselves. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually we are in deep $#&%.

       I will not belabor how we got this way. We just did. It is the history of the human race. The question we must face now is— How do we address or minister to the sicknesses that encircle our globe?

       First, we must press beyond this endless weariness that has taken over our daily lives. Someone needs to rise to the fore and declare— Enough is enough! Maybe we need a leader in each realm of our reality. We need someone in the political arena, someone is the spiritual field, and someone in international relationships.

       Are you that person? Maybe not on a world stage, but in the realms where you live and move and have your being. I am a firm believer that we can and should make a difference in whatever situation we find ourselves.

       That being established, allow me to add that I personally have felt the weight of global/local tiredness. At first, I thought it was the aging process. But that was only part of it. I am just as guilty of running way too fast, like everyone else. Thus, I am tired. And I can’t keep up with the younger set anymore.

       We need to write on our morning mirror STOP! Or at least SLOW DOWN. Either of these admonitions should be a reminder that we do not have mythical super human strength.

       Or maybe our mantra should be— I’m only human; I’m only human; I’m only human. True, some people are more A Types than C types…, but that doesn’t mean we should continue at this frantic pace.

       Be still and know that I am God. [Psalm 46:10] Remember?!?

       I often wonder that the reason we cannot slow down is all the voices clamoring for our attention.

… to be continued.

Honor God, honor people, Make a difference!

Gary

Web: www.cluelessChristianity.org