A couple of years ago I didn’t think that there was much wrong with my life. I was doing the third year of my degree and was planning a wedding as well; let’s just say it was a busy time! Despite this though, I believed that I was really happy.
To cut a long story short, during this time I developed ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and I wasn’t able to graduate that year. I was really ill for a year and it was busyness that had caused my body to burn out. As soon as I had more than a few weeks of not being able to do much at all – literally sitting on the sofa and watching TV all day (if I could even do that), which turned into months - I noticed a big problem with my thinking. I couldn’t cope with being so unproductive. In fact, not being able to be productive made me feel so low and depressed that I started to lose a sense of the point of life.
And this is when a life-altering realisation hit me.
It’s an underlying belief that I held, and that I fear may be present in the Church generally; the belief that the amount that God can do depends on the amount that we do. Looking around, I see so many churches setting up so many ministries, with burnt-out leaders and congregations to match. And does anyone else seem to notice that not much is happening, despite all of our efforts? Yes, God is working. But if we step back and look at the bigger picture, do we really think this is God’s best? That God is working at his fullest? I can’t help but think that we’re getting the crumbs of what the New Testament promises that God can do, and not many people seem to notice. We keep ploughing on. Why are there so many Christians working so hard with so little happening? That’s my question.
And the conclusion that I am slowly, and sometimes unwillingly, coming to is this: I dare to believe that God can do more with a quiet and meek life that is saturated with and dependent on his Spirit, than with a busy life filled with a ministry that does not have time for Him.
So – as we come to that time of the year when the inevitable guilt about eating one-too-many mince pies sets in, and when we start to think about New Year’s resolutions, here’s a challenge. In a step away from the norm, we at Youthwork want to suggest that instead of taking on more this year, we think about what we can give up – and give ourselves a break! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Caffeine: I am not suggesting that we completely give up on our much-loved mochas and lattes. Using them (and the tuck shop) as the source of all our energy, though, is another matter… Saying yes to everything: Ever find yourself struggling to form the word simple word ‘no’? Don’t get me wrong, it’s so important to be helpful. But this year, let’s make sure we recognise when we’re burned out and stop feeling guilty for resting. Being ‘down with the kids’: Being a youth worker doesn’t have to mean keeping up with all the latest trends – and your young people might learn something from your ‘freedom from fashion’. Tweeting 60 times a day: Ok, I exaggerate, and, yes, there is nothing innately wrong with social media. But when our first thought when we see a beautiful view is ‘I need to put this on Instagram’ we know it may be time to replace the constant buzzing with a bit of silence! Feeling bad: For not doing enough, for not being enough, for forgetting to plan your session now and again. This year, let’s recognise that we can’t solve all the problems of all of our young people – only God can. Let’s rest in his grace.
Anya Briggs is the intern at Youthwork.
