I nearly burned myself out when I was working as a local church minister. I was involved in every activity and allowed people to make constant demands on my time. I was not coping because I was trying to cope with too much. My pride stopped me asking for help but it didn’t stop me from complaining. I had begun to enjoy complaining and feeling hard done by, in some strange and perverse way it made me feel like I was important.
I made a mistake in complaining to the wrong person, he listened to me and when I caught a breath he said: “Steve people who complain a lot are unhappy. Steve what do you do for fun?” I stood there gob smacked for a long time until tears rolled down my cheeks. His question hit home. My life had ceased to be fun and I was working hard sharing my misery. My friend asked me another question: “Steve what would you like to do for fun?” I ended up building a small wooden boat and putting some balance back into my life. I became a happier person who was more fun to be around. I was also much more productive.
I had neglected my own welfare and blamed others for willful damage.I had become so serious about myself that even smelling the roses had become a chore.
“Do I have to do everything? These roses need pruning, have black spot and are infested with aphids……” I desperately needed some recreation – an opportunity to allow myself to be re – created, to be made new again.
Ask yourselves some important questions? Why am I complaining? Why am I unhappy with my life? What do I do for fun? What can I do to renew my life for the sake of myself and those around me?
Jesus said; “I have come that they may have life and they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
echap’s prayer for today
Lord God, help me to enjoy the gift of life, have fun and share that fun with others. Amen