What is your source of energy? It's an interesting thing to ponder. This week, I've been feeling zapped so I've given it some extra thought. Without fail, I turn to these five things when I'm in need of a boost, and they rarely disappoint: Coffee, work, comedy, information and connection.
When in need of a pick-me-up, I often pair happy zaps with chores or routine life moments...
- Sips of coffee (while serving up breakfast and packing school bags)
- Taking in my favorite podcast (while shuttling the kids around)
- Checking Instagram and Twitter (in rare moments of quiet)
- Watching comedy recaps of the day's headlines (while folding laundry)
- Tweaking a manuscript or writing a blog post (from 11 p.m. until ???)
This dance continues day after day, week after week, until a wave of tiredness hits me and knocks me back. Maybe a few times a year? It really doesn't happen that often. When it does, the exhaustion always perplexes me, causing me stop and remember the things that provide lasting energy and vitality.
Sleep
While a no-brainer for many, sleep is something I resist at all costs. I know, I know... it should be the perfect retreat. A luxurious relaxing gift. But I like to extract every moment of possibility out of a day. When I don't give sleep the respect it deserves, I pay for it - in the form of a severe cold. About a year ago, I got pleurisy. Yes, pleurisy. Something that plagued Benjamin Franklin and is typically avoided in these modern times with simple things like antibiotics and REST.
Exercise
I love exercise, but it's funny. I always forget how much I enjoy it. The second I go for a bike ride or a jog, or step into the gym, I tell myself, "I should do that every day!" And then promptly I forget. Instead I'll remember that thing I wanted to write, or that message I wanted to send, and before I know it the impulse is gone. It rarely occurs to me to get out of the house and exercise until my husband, an avid bike rider, makes plans to hit a nearby trail. At which point, I say... Wait!!! I want to work out, too! So thank goodness he gets out and moves or else I'd be sitting behind a keyboard even more than I already do.
The Word
But nothing, NOTHING eases and orients my mind, body and spirit like the Word of the Lord. My human impulse is to go my own way and handle things on my own. But whenever I remember who is truly in control of my life, and pursue Him the way He pursues me, He's always right there, waiting to catch me and set me back on the right track.
I recently revisited the fabulous book Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs by my friend Amy E. Mason. God was talking to me loud and clear in the ENERGY chapter of Amy's book. Here's the verse that moved my heart and reminded me where to turn when I feel weary:
Isaiah 40: 28-31 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grown weary. They will walk and not faint.
Meditating on these words reminds me that I am in His hands and that all my acts are to glorify Him. When I'm tired, I find strength in trusting His will for my life.