BURNOUT PART 1 of 2 (read part 2 HERE)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14: 27
Covid Burnout is an official term. Also known as Pandemic Fatigue, this burnout is a pandemic in and of itself, resulting in social anxiety, healthcare workers quitting, and teenage suicide, just to name a few symptoms. I don’t think I have to explain to anyone reading this what Covid Burnout feels like. And honestly, I don’t feel up to it, myself being a case study.
Friends, there’s a lot to talk about regarding what’s going on in the world right now - nay, what’s always been going on. Much bigger than Covid. And I plan on having these conversations very soon, which I look forward to, and want to involve us all as much as possible in a more communal way.
In the meantime, let’s just acknowledge for a moment the burden of the burnout. I know - we’re all doing a stellar job of holding down the fort; we’re all getting by, we’re all looking to the bright side, we’re all grateful for waking up in the morning and thanking God for our daily treasures and pleasures. Humans are resilient, and those who experience the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit are blessed with the peace that passes all understanding. And I love us all for this - I thank us all for pressing on.
It may seem like restrictions are letting up and life may be going back to some semblance of “normalcy,” but the world has changed. My pastor gave us permission to grieve this loss a couple weeks ago and I realized that I had not allowed myself to do so - or even thought about it in that way, like a death of an old friend. As a mom and an entrepreneur and someone with a leadership position in the church, I value my tenacity, and the stiff upper lip I obtained through my dainty portion of English blood (living in the British-influenced polite Canadian city of Victoria, where said lips are worn as often as red plaid, society reinforces this behavior). But my husband could tell you how fragile I am and how deeply all this has affected me.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
This is Part One of a two-part post on burnout. Please look forward to the second half next week, which goes into detail defining burnout, asking if it’s nature vs nurture, and connecting it to the post-modern phenomenon called Deconstruction (I introduced the topic in this previous post). It’s gonna be good - I can say that in truth because I’ve already written it. ;)
Normally an exposition starts with all the dirty details, then in the last part of the presentation, when everyone is feeling desperate, you reveal the solution. Well, I won’t make you wait. I’m sharing a new song with you that deeply moves me. It was written smooth and fast, and when that happens, I truly know it’s the Spirit swooping down on eagle's wings.
The song is about how messed up things are, to put it politely and colloquially. The stumbling saint ain’t denying that, and brings it to Jesus, saying, “Come on - help already! Do something! Can’t you like, return and just make all this go away?” And yet, the pitiful poet, like the psalmists in scripture, admits at the end of the lyric (see, told ya that’s how these things are normally laid out!) that no matter what, she still trusts God’s Plan:
Lord, but if it’s not today, I’m a-gonna be ok. Just hang out on my knees and pray; Lord I know you know best.
May this song be a blessing to you. We’ve even turned it into a little music video with some footage around my neighborhood, walking down to a beautiful river not far from my Hobbit hole. Yes, it is about honest lament - you can hear the burnout in the singer’s pleading prayers - but it is most of all a song of faith, hope, trust - no matter what. We know the Lord's got all of this in His hands, as is His plan.
Can I get an Amen?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Love, love, love everything about this. Great song, great message, the pixie haircut, the country style that suits so well and the cowgirl boots. Atta girl. Love it.