Holiday Rhythms Sample

Draining Company

We all have people in our lives who leave us feeling energized. For some of us, it’s our best friend. For others, it’s a family member or mentor, maybe even a youth leader. For Mary, it was her cousin, Elizabeth. 

As soon as the angel told Mary she was pregnant with Jesus, Mary did not share the news with just anyone nearby. Instead, she immediately made her way to Elizabeth’s house.

This wasn’t your breezy five-minute walk up the street or a quick car ride — this journey would have taken days by foot (or donkey, if she was lucky). And forget about a quick text or FaceTime — the only face time anyone had back then was, well, face to face... literally. But to Mary, the time and distance to see her cousin were worth it. 

Who you choose to surround yourself with can recharge or drain you. In fact, the people you fill your life with can ultimately determine how you rest. 

Whether it was intentional on Mary’s part or God’s sovereignty (or most likely a combination of both), Mary seemed to be surrounded by godly, life-giving people. She was cousins with Elizabeth and was engaged to Joseph, and we see their faithfulness highlighted in scripture. 

This does not mean you should cut off any and everyone who leaves you feeling a bit drained or mentally and emotionally exhausted — Jesus didn’t (remember, Peter was one of His disciples, and Peter could be a lot to handle)! Instead, practice becoming aware of who in your life recharges your spirit. 

Rest isn’t just about what you fill your time with — it’s about who you fill your time with.

Take some time today to think about your circle of friends and family. Who are you filling your life with? Who do you go to when you’re feeling drained? How are you filling the lives of those around you? Are you giving others rest and energy with your presence, or could you be draining others?