Serving on Spiritual Fumes

GEM FOR THE DAY
Yesterday was one of those days when you know there is absolutely no way possible to complete the task list. Popcorn prayers to the Lord to expand hours, stop the clock or miraculously meet every need, were plentiful. Still,it was this morning before I finished my homework, posted two blogs and responded to important e-mails. I can't tell you how many times I read the same sentence or tried to work the same math problem. Deadlines were before me so I sat at the table trying to force my exhausted body to perform. When I realized it was early morning--the time I usually wake up--I instinctively thought about "today's" list. Though my spirit was willing to pull an all-nighter, my body gave up. I crawled into bed knowing, there was absolutely no way possible I was going to complete the list I had for today. I was dreaming before my head hit the pillow!

For those who enjoy serving and serve by doing something they love, there is always a threat of exhaustion. The thrill of using gifts and talents for a greater purpose can be addicting for many. Therefore,Oswald encourages self examination in order to access whether you are serving God or your own purpose. If not careful, the enthusiastic team player finds their calender full and their energy tank empty, leaving them to pooped to even pray.

While work, chores and activities drain us of time and energy, we can also be drained spiritually through nurturing of others. Oswald points out: "The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other people's souls until they learn to feed on God. They must drain you completely--to the very last drop."

The idea of being drained is...well...draining. Yet, the truth remains that believers are called to serve one another period. There was no stipulation that fatigue was a qualified reason to pull back and take it easy for a while. Quite the contrary was true. Jesus himself took cat naps--when possible--to give his body rest. However, the work of the ministry was never laid down. Nor were lambs denied care and compassion.

Oswald suggests ministry work for Christians includes giving our spiritual nourishment to the hungry lambs of the flock: those who are hungry for the Lord and yet unable to feed themselves. It's likely each of us can recall such a lamb in our body. While tending to the young is exciting and fun, it can also suck us dry. Yet, we are cautioned to nurse others in the spirit joyfully until we have nothing left to give. In this way, we mirror Jesus, who gave his all for us.

Our faithful shepherd modeled more than giving in his ministry: Jesus also demonstrated how to spiritually refuel. In the early morning, the Lord would slip away to be alone with his Heavenly Father. In God's holy presence, Jesus found himself filled once again with the power and strength of heaven. The concept Jesus needed time with the Father as much as we do, should inspire us to emulate his time in communion. When we don't draw from the well daily, we will inevitably find ourselves, serving on spiritual fumes: or worse, we may run out of gas all together and find our selves stranded on the side of the road. How then will we keep up with Jesus?

DIGGING DEEPER
The Lord knew intimately the people's spiritual thirst, Jesus encouraged them to drink of his life sustaining water.

The responsibility to nurse the new or young believer is reasonably placed on the mature in Christ: for they have been weaned themselves and now know how to draw from the well of Living Water on their own.

Like maidens who fetch water for the village, they journey again and again to the source of life. Their journey more like worship than a chore.
Fatigued, they toss their empty buckets over the edge, yawning and stretching until they hear the splash down below. Instinctively, they take hold of the rope and hoist the overflowing bucket to the top of the ledge. After wiping their brows, they withdraw ladles from their aprons which they quickly dip into the clear water. Then, with great care--so not a drop is spilled--they raise the ladle to their pasty mouths and drink the cool spring water. There at the side of the well, the child of God restores her spirit: the Living Water rejuvenates her soul. Having had their fill, the maidens pick up their buckets and head for the fold: for they know there are little lambs who await their return: for they are painfully thirsty.