But I noticed something that week: constantly being "on" is e-x-h-a-u-s-t-i-n-g.
Mentally. Physically.
It's the curse of social media and I don't mind admitting that.
I'm the type of person that loves to lift other people up. I hate to see other people struggling or sad and I want to make their day better. And most of the time this is as easy as breathing to me. I don't even have to think about it and it always comes from my heart. I want the best for others. To experience the pure joy that Christ gives us in each day. And I hope I can be just a glimpse of that to someone each day.
But being "on" is really more than I want(ed) to put up with. And as I was talking to a friend I realized anew: I can't be all things to all people.
I can't. Plain and simple.
But boy do I want to be! And it eats at my insides when I can't give to someone else--because I have nothing left to give. And I realize in trying to meet everyone's "needs" or be "nice" to everyone (not that I wouldn't be...but I think you get my point) only means I have less to give.
Encouragement is not a constant faucet and the Giver can turn that flow off when it does more harm than good. It's usually about that time that God taps on my shoulder, clears His throat and reminds me...He is all things to all people. I am merely one of His servants and He will use me where He puts me.
Let Him be what the world needs. Once I figured that out...I realized I am once again filled, once again able to pass that smile (cyber or otherwise ;-) and really, honestly and truly mean it as the gift God has given me to give away. And be the glimpse of Christ someone needs today.
Oh and by the way, a day off--which I took recently--from all distractions and spent it with those who love me best makes one's outlook much brighter.
What about you...do you find being encouraging sometimes DIScouraging?
Yes, indeed. Being "on" all the time, to everyone, at all times is so hard. And around the holidays, things just just crazier! But it's good to know that you have friends who care, who will help point you back in the right direction :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Faye. It's learning to turn the "on" off and just be ourselves. Because really, if we can't be genuine, why be anything? We want to give people, especially those we love, the true and honest us. Anything else is, sadly, a lie.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good night. :)
I'm sorry you encountered a few pot holes on the encouragement path recently, Casey. I can understand how that happens, though. You're one who gives, and gives, and gives. . . It makes sense that you'd need to take time to recharge. I'm glad you've had some opportunities to do so and hope there are more down the road.
ReplyDeleteI've certainly needed time to reload spiritually before. I try not to be "on" anymore. What you see is what you get. And sometimes I'm not what people expect (and that's okay). Know why? I'm human. Big secret out of the bag. And you are too. That's why this post will make sense to and reach so many.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Oh, Case, you nailed it to the wall, my friend!! Emoting/Giving/Emoting/Giving drains the tank pretty quickly, especially with all the time it steals from other things attached to a deadline.
ReplyDeleteBUT ... your line "Let HIM be what the world needs" is SOOO very true, as well as letting HIM be what WE need to refresh and refill. I'd be empty as a vacant stare without Him, as would we all!
Saying one RIGHT NOW for His grace and energy to meet your needs -- and through you, others -- this holiday season.
Hugs,
Julie
Casey, It's so easy to become depleted being an encourager. Most people aren't encouragers so there's a lot of encouraging to do out there! I know just how you're feeling. Lately I've been a bit "off" - tired and restless. I think oftentimes when this happens something is out of balance. I'm either writing TOO much (yes, there is such a thing, at least for me) or not spending enough time with Him. When I take time to pull away and be quiet, even if it means less of a web presence, things become balanced again. I just know He'll restore you in creative ways:) You're in my thoughts and prayers, as always...
ReplyDeleteYou've given me lots to think about. And, Casey, even when you're not feeling 'on' you're still giving. I think you can't help it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a wise, wise woman, Casey.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are most definitely an encourager.
KELI, it's definitely a process for me to REMEMEBER to stop and recharge. I tend to go and go and go and only after I hit that brick wall I realize God has been trying to get my attention. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWENDY, very, very true and I completely agree with you. I want to be me. Because me is who people should know and nothing else. I've meet too many disengenious people to NOT be one of those.
JULIE, when I was talking with Pepper and realized anew that I CAN'T be all things to all people, it was like a thousand lbs came off my shoulders. Now I can just enjoy being His hands and feet.
LAURA, that sounds so much like me. I completely get what you are saying. Will be praying you are recharged tonight in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteERICA, thank you. :) No, I really can't. Which often contributes to my 'problem'. But it's not one I complain about. I thank God for these opportunities.
BETH, thank you. I praise God each and every day for the places He has given me. Bless you today!