Long Days... Or Is It Daze?

Yesterday was one of the longer days I've had at work in quite some time. Close to 13 hours. Add another 1.5 hrs, I was up before hand, for yesterdays anniversary post. We didn't make church last night, which we were bummed about... had I had an extra 15 minutes, we would have pulled it off.

Yet as I contemplated yesterday afternoon whether we'd make it or not, I got to thinking about the extra time my parents put in while at church, when they were heavily involved in ministry. Meetings before services, meetings after services, events on Saturdays... I got to thinking, "Man...what if I was on the board and we had a meeting after service tonight?" Which I think my Dad had a few off those happen after Wednesday's service. A long day, arriving late enough to church to miss the first 30 minutes of service (essentially) and then take care of church business after?

I know we all work hard, or we've had such commitments before. My friend was sharing over the weekend how busy her week would be, including a couple of work-related events after hours, that she had to be a part of that would take her to 10pm or so. Live gets busy and the days get long. And should the days go long long enough, you begin to feel like life is becoming more of a daze. You become too tired to sleep well, which just makes you want to sleep even more! Lest we not forget all the other factors that come into play into daily life; like managing kids schedules and homework, projects and upkeep around the home, and if there wasn't enough to do there, this same friend often brings work home with her (as many people do) so now you're working on work stuff while not at work.

When does this end??  A question we've all asked ourselves, yet pastors and church leaders dare not ask out-loud. Nor within earshot of anyone who might be in close proximity. Or far, for that matter, should they desire to scream the question at the top of their lungs. Who would understand?

We all would understand, except those in ministry are exempt from problems and frustrations and the voicing of them to others, let alone a close friend... which many don't even have that.

So, pray with me this #deaconThursday for pastors and church leaders struggling to maintain. Pray strength for those exhausted from the responsibilities of ministry and the balancing act of life at home. Pray rest, for those experiencing difficult with sleep, that God would bring a calm to hearts, spirits and minds. May their energy be renewed and their heads lifted. May their eyes see clearly; not glossed or fogged over constant barrage of problems and issues. Pray that God would surround them with people to come alongside and help carry the burden; that would pray with them; that would befriend them and show their support. Pray, today would be the day one more pastor is saved from the brink of burnout.

Strength for the day.
Rest for the weary.
For those whose work, is the work of the Lord.
For His glory and honor, we ask these things.

- PNC

---