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From Exhausted to Energized—Replenishing Your Energy Reserves

Can you recall a time when you were replenished and filled up? When you were living soulfully, restfully, creatively, lovingly, playfully, prayerfully? My guess is you can recall a handful of such times in your life. I can recall such times too—and increasingly they are becoming the norm rather than the exception, as I seek to master the art of simplified living. It can be done.

Hold on to that image for a second, and let’s switch gears. Let’s talk about times when you’re depleted—toxically depleted. Your bucket is empty. You have nothing left to give. What does that feel like? When I ask people this question, no matter where I am in the world, the first word that comes out of their mouths is resentment.

They resent someone or something—just like Martha in this story. I imagine her coming out of the kitchen shaking a wooden spoon at Mary and Jesus. She was resentful. “Jesus, don’t You care? My sister’s a deadbeat. We can’t order takeout. Your disciples are mooches. And they never help with the dishes.” Resentment. Ever feel it? I do.

If you find yourself shaking that wooden spoon and you’re telling God what to do, and you’re mad at the world, maybe it’s time for you to hear God say to you, “Let’s sit down together. We’ve got some things to work out, you and Me. You’ve lost a connection with Me somewhere. You’ve lost your bearings on true north, and now you’re just spinning. But I have a better plan."

Your heart and mine yearn for an antidote to all the drivenness and busyness in our lives. The antidote isn’t getting it all done in the kitchen—or the office, or the mall. The antidote is leaving that stuff—sometimes undone—to sit down for an unrushed conversation with Jesus.

Question for reflection: If you could have an honest conversation with Jesus in an unrushed setting, what would you talk with Him about?