It’s when we can no longer remember why we took on such a challenge, or when a wrench is thrown into the system stopping all forward momentum, or when things in general in our lives start to pile up. That’s when burnouts seem to happen.
So what might burnout look like?
You might say the creative spark and original excitement have died out. Not because things are not going well but because the object of happiness has become focused primarily or possibly exclusively on me.
When the object is redirected away from self and onto the reason God has placed me with the challenges he has given me and I begin to rightly shift my burdens off my own shoulders and place them on his, it is at that moment my mood begins to shift. I usually won’t flip into complete happiness and contentment. First there will be other feelings like regret and embarrassment for how much time I might have wasted before I turned to him.
Eventually, and sooner than I expect or deserve, the fog begins to lift.
Mental health and spiritual health are connected.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”