I’m joining in over at Five Minute Friday. The goal is to write for five minutes over a specific word given topic. Tired.
GO
It was late last night. I was driving home from our church campus. It had been a long day filled with meetings, photo shoots, and serving others in our GED program.
I knew I was exhausted, but I wasn’t expecting the wave of tears that over took me. Where did those come from?
As I reflected back over the day, I realized it was an emotional tiredness taking over my very being. Raw emotions of living a life out-loud for Christ.
As I began to unwrap the feeling pouring out of me, I realized the range of emotions were oozing from each end of the spectrum:
Blessings from hearing that words that I had written had made a profound life change in another.
Accomplishment as organization was worked through with a new ministry leader.
Frustration stirred watching leaders step down from serving.
Celebration as I shared with my own children incredible life steps along their journey.
And much sadness as the realization hit once again — God can’t change anyone until they want to change for themselves.
Emotionally tired – I was.
Remedy. I downloaded David Nevue’s song The Gift that you can hear anytime at A Holy Experience.
Peaceful.
Calming.
Restful.
STOP
Very nicely written, Alene!
I was just talking to a dear friend yesterday about the harsh reality of your statement and how emotionally draining it can be (especially for a parent, as in her case): "God can't change anyone until they want to change for themselves." Amen. Thanks for sharing. Write on.
Emotional tiredness is hard. I'm praying for you today that you can find rest.
Emotional weariness so powerfully affects the rest of our lives, too, doesn't it?
You describe being emotionally drained so well….then the answer is God and more
I'm so tired, too of…And much sadness as the realization hit once again — God can't change anyone until they want to change for themselves.
I am dealing with this same thing.
Thanks for sharing. Following you on twitter now (:
Thank you my fellow tired sojourners! It was my first 5 Minute write and needless to say it had an abrupt ending. I hate that. I want to retweak. But HEY isn't part of our 5 minutes about just enjoying the writing moment and not worry about the correctness.
I've learned so much from all the writings about "tired." So thankful our Lord is the Lord of Rest and Peace who sustains us. So thankful!
Emotionally spent, yet resting in his peaceful arms. Thank You Alene.
Isn't it just so frustrating when the tears seem to pop in out of nowhere? I like the way that you broke down your list. Very well done.
I'm here from Five Minute Friday. Have a very Merry Christmas and a great weekend!
Sister, I can certainly relate to tears popping out of nowhere.
You're very special and I pray you have some great times of refreshing.
Love and hugs,
Beth
5 minutes- no more, no less. Crazy, huh? Thanks for stopping by- and the encouragement!
PS: LOVE your book: Dirty Laundry Secrets!
Alene – this was your first Five Minute Friday? Bravo! This was beautiful!
I feel for you, for your long days of service and tender emotions, but oh, what a beautiful reason: "Raw emotions of living a life out-loud for Christ."
I pray you'll find rest and comfort in your Father's arms this weekend.
Blessings,
Jana
Oh girl, I can so relate to this post. I am emotionally tired more often than I care to admit. I can't say that tears flow. Maybe I'd feel better if they did.
Beautifully written, Alene!
I agree, "The Gift" certainly calms…
Hoping your weekend calms, settles and refreshes as you continue walking with him!
love that! well said.
Thank you for being the faithful servant of Christ that you are… thank you for meeting with me and lifting me up during my walk with Him.
Thank you for being obeident and writing the words of that book that changed my life and re-wrote history for my life, the lives of my children and their children.
You are loved dear woman, and I'm so happy that I am able to serve along side of you during this season of my life!