I’ve experienced many setbacks recently. These setbacks have forced me to rearrange my time on short notice and caused my mental health to decline. Eventually, I started to feel better, not by leaping into something else to keep me busy, but by taking time to relax and take my mind off it. When something hits us hard, it is easy to wallow in self-pity and sadness, and that’s okay. Sometimes, people don’t just get back on their feet; some need time to process their feelings by themselves through tubs of ice cream and a marathon of their favorite show.
It can be a slow road, and people will want you to recover as quickly as possible. Our society rewards and encourages a quick recovery that asks us to suck up our troubles and move forward whether or not we’re ready. However, it’s necessary to take things in your own time in order to serve and love as God commands. I made the mistake of plunging into a new situation directly after a setback several consecutive times and never took the time to reflect and refresh. I became so overwhelmed each time, and each was easily avoidable by taking a step back. However, I refused every time because I would have disappointed myself, not anyone else, just me.
Pride can keep us pushing ourselves past our limits and ultimately leading us to burnout. When we refresh and renew ourselves, we will be better prepared for these setbacks and perform our duties better. God wants us at our best, and we can’t give Him that if we push ourselves to the limit.
Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
