I was driving the car recently, and realised I had 34km left before I would run out of petrol! This was never a problem in the previous car I had. The other car used to 'BEEP' at me at 80km, and then 'BEEP' 'BEEP' at 40km, then 'BEEP, BEEP, BEEP' at 20 km and so I had plenty of warning to refill the tank. The problem I now had, was I had no indicators of when I am running on empty.
There's obvious parallels to life. How often do people run on empty and have no warning signs to tell them otherwise? When you are 'burning the candle at both ends' and when you are 'running on empty', what boundaries, mechanisms, tips, people or things do you have to warn you?
Here are some tips on how to recognise when the gas tank is running on empty. Or rather, how to recognise when you are burning the candle at both ends:
TIP No. 1 - Recognise in yourself when you are getting moody, tired, irritable, burnt-out or stressed. Isn't this the first step? To recognise that the gas tank is running on empty. Awareness precedes change.
TIP No. 2 - Have a close friend to kindly warn you when you are beginning to run on empty. Having someone who can nicely say, 'Hey Johnny, you're getting a bit moody, you're not burning the candle are you?'
TIP No. 3 - Get up the mountain. This is what Jesus did often. He went there to pray, and for some R&R. Imagine being constantly swamped by hundreds of people, wanting from you, asking of you, requesting from you, needing from you... Get up the mountain is a figurative way of saying, get away from the hustle and bustle. Take a prayer break. Recharge the batteries in God. Refuel the faith tank. Now, if you're not a Christian reading this, getting up the mountain and away from the busyness is still what you need to do. Try contemplating on the God who created you and you might find a whole bunch of energy and a revitalisation that no latest magazine or product can offer!
Tip No. 4 - The good news of Jesus is that he came to bring fullness of life (John 10:10). Claim that as a promise from God. 'Thanks Jesus, that you came to give me fullness of life, and no less!'
Tip No. 5 - Re-prioritize. Or rather, do tasks that empower you, give you energy; tasks you love to complete. If you are passionate about people, and you are doing a desk job, then find some time to go and catch up with others. Have lunch at a busy cafe!
Maybe there are other tips you can think of. Feel free to add them below.
If this is word of encouragement for YOU today, then I pray, God will help you refuel the gas tank, and that the candle will only have one end from now on!
Turn the fuel light on. Let it 'BEEP' at you. Hear the warning signs. Act Accordingly.
Galatians 6:9-10 - '9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
No comments:
Post a Comment