Matthew
11:28-30 Come
to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
There is nothing wrong with
taking care of your own physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Take care of
yourself first. The most important person you may lead today is you. When your
day begins, take a few moments with God to seek His help in bringing you the
needed resources for the day ahead.
It is easy to get wrapped up
with the problems and needs of others. If we were to attempt to personally fix
each person we work with it, we would be dead in a week. No one can shoulder
the lives of these people. But God can handle them, and He will. When you leave
the mission after your day ends, pray that God will take over for you as you
leave. Ask Him to now help you to focus on your needs for the remainder of the
day. It is your time and the time with your family that is now your greatest
concern.
Renewal is not easy but it
is necessary. God uses you best when you are most effectively at rest with
yourself and the world around you. Establish routines and practices that bring
you distraction from the mission and the problems of your clients or staff. Do
things that renew your mental, physical and spiritual abilities. Read the
bible, fellowship with friends and family outside the mission. Worship with
believers and find times of solitude with Jesus. Pray each day, interceding for
others and for yourself. God is faithful and good to meet you each day and
provide the strength you need.
