Running out of steam

Today’s reflection is something that I believe is of great importance to every one of us. As believers, we are running a race. However, this race is a marathon, not a sprint. The needs for a long-distance race differ from that of a short-distance race. As we run, it is important that we don’t forget to refill our tanks.

In one way or the other, life takes a lot out of each of us. We have several roles to play; as parents, siblings, friends, colleagues and children of God. Each day, we try to play those roles to the best of our abilities. However, as we do so, the likelihood is that we get drained of our strength and vitality.

To keep pouring out with pouring in is to invite burnout and destruction. If a water tank keeps pouring out without being refilled, it will eventually become dry and be of little or no use. It is at times like this that the tank would begin to make noise, simply because it is empty and bereft of any value to itself and others.

There is a propensity for us to feel that we are powerful and need no special time or schedule for refilling. However, learning from Christ’s example, we can see that we need to take time to refill ourselves. Over and over, the Bible tells us that Jesus left the crowd and disciples in other to spend time with God. Also, Jesus took time out to visit his friends (as exemplified by Lazarus, Mary and Martha).

As with many things in life, one size rarely fits all. What refreshes me might drain you. For me, these are some of the ways by which I “refill my tank”:

• Spending time alone with God.
• Spending time with family and loved ones.
• Spending time with the family of believers physically or virtually.
• Doing something adventurous: It could be something as simple as taking a different route to my destination.
• Reading books, visiting blogs, listening to sermons, songs or watching comedy skits.

As long as you are not doing anything that is sinful or insensitive, it is important that you find a way that suits you and helps replenish you. Otherwise, you would run out of steam.

Thanks for reading! Please feel free to share some ways by which you refresh yourself. Thank you 🙂