A Cup of Laughter to Brighten Your Day 

This Earthen Vessel

(www.ambassadorsforJesus5.com)

     Have you ever done something because you felt it was the right thing to do but you really didn't want to?  I have and sometimes that is what is called for.  Sometimes believers view such a perspective as legalistic and operating under works instead of grace but I don't necessarily see it that way.  That may be the case but not always.  There are natural inclinations and spiritual ones.  I mean I don't always want to do my lawn but if I don't the city will be on my case.  But the real point I am driving at is "at times" when I ignore my feelings and just do what I know needs to be done, I can find that my heart does become engaged and I do enjoy it.  Then the problem more lies in listening to my body to know when it needs rest and I need to stop.  Sometimes that's all it takes, although it doesn't always work out that way.  And this is what I was dealing with this morning.  Let me set the scene for you.

     After working my fourth and final third shift of the week I was really, really tired.  As mom tells me, "It just isn't natural to be up all night, God made the nights to sleep."  So, mind you, by the time Saturday morning rolls around and my shift ends I am ready to go home and drop.  I was at that point where my body was screaming for sleep.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?  Sometimes it can even feel nauseating.  As the clock hit 7am I was anticipating that much needed rest but before I could get away I am faced with someone who loves to chat probably as much as I do, if not more.  Well that is the last thing you want to deal with when you are ready to go but I knew this gal has had some very challenging issues of late and recently discovered there may be more.  My conscience told me, "Poor girl has been through so much and you should show her that you care by at least asking how she is doing."  And so the battle began.  I mean I do care how she's doing and I can go on too, but at that point all I wanted was sleep.  I sure did not want to engage in some lengthy conversation about how things were on her end in my depleted state and I knew it would be a lengthy one (darn those open-ended questions, they just leave too much room for elaboration), but my conscience won the battle and I found myself asking, "How are things going?"  Well, what a fine decision that ended up being.

     I'm not sure all that was said.  It was a flurry of words coming at me and I caught one here and there as my inner voice screamed, "Shut up, shut up, shut up!  Didn't you hear me before when I said I am so tired?  Oh Lord, will she not shut up!  Help me out, I'm dying here!  Oh, I feel faint.  Oh, oh, oh, God, won't you help me out here!  End this torture, pleasssse!!!  Why won't she shut up?!" 

     I know.  I didn't say it would be pretty.

     And in between her account someone else approached us that she had to deal with but I couldn't leave just then.  I mean she was at the point of telling me this sad news and I felt it would be really bad to run out now.  So I stood there waiting for what seemed like an eternity to pass for her to deal with the interruption and return to me (in actuality it was more like three minutes). 

     What had I gotten myself into?

     Eventually I was able to exit out of there at a respectable place in the conversation and was grateful to be in my car heading home.  It felt so good to be in bed getting some much needed sleep.  Shortly afterwards I was in that blissful state of unconscience. 

     I've had similar issues arise before and maybe you have too.  Sometimes we can give out and give out and give out while ignoring those inner warning signs that tell us we are running on an empty tank and are headed for a crash.  At times I have even found myself reacting poorly in my good intentions (the crash) and instead of contributing to a situation, made matters worse.  I am learning that it is ok to have limitations and it is important to do what you gotta do to recuperate for you can't properly contribute in such a state.  Worse yet, it can be more damaging to yourself and others. 

     So what's the lesson?  We shouldn't feel guilty about understanding our present limitations in this earthen vessel.  It is ok to take care of yourself in that sense and as such you will find that you are a greater benefit to all.  And for the individual, communication regarding these things works great.  People can generally relate to these things and understand where we are coming from.  We may just need to avoid the open-ended questions until we are in a better state.        

Psalm 23: 1-3

 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,

  he restores my soul.
       He guides me in paths of righteousness 
 for his name's sake.