From Burned Out to BlessedSample

The path to burnout

People burn out by following a predictable path. First, we compromise. We know enough about the human body to realize what we should do, but we cheat the system. “I know they say I should sleep for x hours, but I’m going to . . . I know my doctor says to slow down, but I’ve made it this far working this hard.”

Second, we compensate. We weren’t created for so little sleep, so we compensate with a pot of coffee or a six-pack of Diet Coke. We weren’t created for so much work, so much stress, and so little rest, so we unwind with a few beers or a couple of pills. We know we are always stressed, so we “fix it” by taking a vacation.

Third, we crash. We fall apart. We cry. We lose our drive, our desire, our smile. We grow numb, cynical, bitter, robotic, and uninterested. We stop producing the fruit of patience, gentleness, and joy. We need serious help.

Do you see yourself somewhere on that path? It’s not too late to remember that the Father created you, his Son saved you, and his Spirit lives within you. Notice to whom Jesus directs this invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). All who are weary can find rest in Jesus. No matter who you are or where you are, or what pace you have pushed that includes you. So come to Jesus and find rest for both body and soul.