When I was younger, I thought it might be kind of kewl to be a United States Marine. Not sure why (i.e. Can't remember). Maybe I viewed the military in a similar way to public safety professionals (e.g. Fire, Police, etc); as heroes. As I grew older I began to realize that, "A soldier's life is not for me".
Guess you could say I sung a different tune than those guys on the Caribbean:
Yo, ho! Yo, ho! A pirate's life for me. (SN: Here's a great pirate's story)
The funny thing is, although they'll accept just about anybody, you actually have to try out to "make the team". Should you choose to be in some specialized group, there's an even more rigorous set of requirements and standards that you have to meet.
Yet, we beg to ask the question: What happens when you live your life in a way consumed by your passion? Like a soldier preparing for battle, in some sense you become "uniform"...living beyond the clothing designed for a particular environment or situation. At times the level of tiredness and weary instability begin to set in.
Did you not realize that you too are (have become) a part of some "army"?
Have you learned that you might be wearing, the wrong fatigues?
Psalm 73:25-26 (NKJV) #verseOfReflection
25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Perhaps the most important question at this juncture: "Now what?!"
I could go on for days about the Summer of 2011, that led to the Fall of 2011...and it goes on and on and on. Most of us know or at least have heard the benefits of forming habits which are beneficial to us (and necessary). We eat, sleep, run, and play in hopes of being at our fullest potential. Lack of these things, increased stress, and an unhealthy approach to relationships just makes room for even more havoc. Let's not forget that mental and emotional health are uber-important as well.
What does it mean to have the wrong fatigues?
Have you ever...
- Been at work and start to get sleepy all of a sudden or maybe you're yawning because you stayed up too late last night. Is it possible that you've been subconsciously doing this all week?
- Pushed yourself day after day to meet deadlines, finish assignments, and stay hip to what's trending?
- Thought to yourself that your youthful decisions of skimping on sleep, among other healthy habits would never catch up to you (or that you could continue this way)?
As we briefly discussed in str8 up stressin' out, we really do have a finite capacity for life (in general). Ever notice how kids have all of this boundless energy? We were like that once. It fades with time. There's a reason for that and it's found in how we were made, how we operate and function. Even though I could try to be as active as I was earlier in life, I've become content with not doing as much (mostly because I've already done enough).
The wrong fatigues.
Do you know what it's like to not be able to perform simple math because your mental capacity has become devastated? How about struggling to hold a conversation, unable to articulate the words that are on the tip of your tongue in combination with the ideas that are swimming in your mind? When's the last time you were barely functional to the point that you just wanted the day to end so you could stop...and rest?
I'm currently in a public policy class, intriguingly entitled: Entrepreneurial Government. We're studying various leaders who have made their mark as government administrators in some shape or form, regardless of the outcome. Interestingly enough, many of these leaders who did extraordinarily well, end up driving themselves to some sort of sickness, or health problems (namely exhaustion), time and time again. It seems that their most prized character flaw is not knowing when to stop.
When I was an AmeriCorps member way back when I had a coworker who would take a "mental health" day once a month. Not sure what she did. She was seasoned in life, but she obviously understood the importance of taking a day and doing nothing or maybe something she hadn't done in a while. Ever take a day off from work only to have chores to do and errands to run? It's just another day, minus your morning commute. I sincerely despise those type of days. It's more like skipping work to tend to business.
My hope and prayer for you is that you are successful in whatever you do. That those things which you put your mind to are brought forth to fruition. But most importantly above all, I want you to live well and prosper. No matter what you do in life, if you don't have the health, good sense, and freedom to enjoy it; won't mean as much.
I used to burn the candle at both ends. Now fatigue and I struggle to make amends. That old guy told me, "Soon you'll learn". Yet, I had so much time...and fun to earn. I suppose it didn't help that I went to a school, where staying up all night was the norm (not cool). I grew older and continued to push my limits. If I could do it all again, I might recommend it.Be a good soldier. Always make sure you're prepared for battle. Strength comes in various forms.
If you've never worn the wrong fatigues, here's hoping you don't have to.
Sumthn2Ponder (s2p):
- Am I wearing the wrong fatigues?
- How much of an emphasis do I place on my mental/emotional health?
- What will I do differently today to prevent fatigue?
In case you need it:
I'm currently doing "50 Days of Thanksgiving" to mark the 50 days b/t Easter and Pentecost...this seemed relevant #takeaLook
50 Days of Thanksgiving, Day #7: Thankful for rest. Even with work still to be done on this day, it's good to be able to at least "slow up and slow down". Move with deliberation, yet not a sense of hurriedness.
"Lord I am tired. I am weak. I bring myself to you, an offering. I pray I please you and do your will. One thing I ask of you, help me be still.
Lord I am tired. I am weak. I bring myself to you, an offering. One thing I ask of you, help me be still. I pray I please you and do your will."
God be w/ you...
