Running On Empty

I.AM.EXHAUSTED. Usually I hate it when people write sentences like that – all caps with a period in between each word. But today, I really can’t think of a better way to express how I feel. I am utterly, bone tired. The kind of exhaustion you feel that makes every joint ache and gives you brain fog to the point where you can’t for the life of you remember if it’s 2018 or 2019. Seriously! I just stared at some expiration dates of items in my pantry and had an argument with myself as to which it was! For the record, it’s 2018.

There are all kinds of reasons that we get to the point that we just physically can’t do anymore. The job, the kids, the project, the never ending household to-do’s. The worst is when it’s a combination of one, two or even all of these things. I am starting to come to the realization that running on empty comes down to two things:

Not being able to say “no” and the feeling that you have to fix things.

When you break it down like that, it seems foolish that we allow ourselves to get to the breaking point. “No” is a really simple word. It doesn’t take a lot of motion or facial muscles to say. It doesn’t have to be harsh or hurt anyone’s feelings. It’s just a word. A word that helps define boundaries and set priorities.

Now, feeling like you have to fix things is a much bigger issue. There are those of us that feel the need to jump in when we see something that needs to be done and no one else is raising their hand to take it on. We are the “detail” people. We see the tiny things that others either may not see or don’t think of as a priority. We tend to be perfectionist. And we are often the ones that give and give until suddenly we’re running on empty and we crash and burn.

I love the spiel that fight attendants give at the beginning of every flight. “In case of an emergency, an oxygen mask will drop down. Put on your own mask first and then assist others.” Why oh why do we not take that same process and apply it to our busy lives?

I’ve heard it said many times, and I absolutely believe it, that you can be of no help to anyone if you don’t take care of yourself. I know it. I practice it…..sometimes. But more often than not, I find myself thinking, “I’m so close to finishing, then I’ll stop and rest.” Or “it’s just one little thing, I can do it.” Or the best one of all, “if I don’t do it, it won’t get done or it won’t be done right or I’ll just have to redo it so I may as well do it now.”

So be honest, does any of this sound familiar? If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking, “but my situation is different.” I got news for you…..no, it’s not.

For thousands of years, the human race has taken on more than we can handle without stopping to rest. There are times that we’re afraid of feeling selfish or like we’re wasting time. But let me fill you in on a little secret:

God can’t use you if your running on empty and your tank has nothing left.

There are multiple times throughout the Bible that God calls us to rest, recharge, be silent. When we are moving so fast that we look like a blur to our friends and family or talking so much that there is no space for listening, we are in jeopardy of running out of gas.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. – Genesis 2:2

I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” – Psalm 55:6

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31

I’m taking the rest of today to slow down and take God’s words to heart. I’m going to go sit in my garden and listen to the birds. I’m going to allow God some quiet space to refuel my spirit. And then I’m going to get back on track with managing my time and learning that I don’t need to fix everything. There are others that will come along and fix it – if it really needs fixing in the first place!

The most important little words to remember when your body and soul are running on empty are “no” to things that aren’t a priority and “yes” to being still….even if it’s just for 10 minutes!