A Month in the Life

One of the fancy buzz words surfacing in discussion during our chaplain group over the past few weeks is the term “compassion fatigue”. This term refers to a serious condition experienced by caregivers, resulting from the effects of continually offering care to others. What is interesting to me is that this isn’t just limited to those in the health care field, but spans across disciplines, to every walk of life. It is particularly challenging and difficult if compassion fatigue sets in while one is actively engaged in some form of ministry. If it is left unchecked, it can cause burnout – and possibly lead one to become so frustrated with his or her own personal relationship with God that the individual, in turns, begins to hurt himself or herself spiritually, or even worse, hurt others.

The way in which folks overcome compassion fatigue is by finding ways to recharge themselves in God and in life – discovering peace and joy, a sense of renewal through relaxation or actually taking some form of Sabbath rest. The Lord did say some things about that – early on in the creation story of Genesis, and also incorporated in the Ten Commandments (#4 in case you don’t have it memorized). As such, taking time for yourself, finding alone time with God in personal devotion, and mediation on His Word allow you to combat the effects of compassion fatigue.

So, who can become fatigued in this manner? Anyone who feels that he or she does not need to take care of self as the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we overlook these crucial areas of self-care, we don’t allow Him to be in control of all things. This can occur if anyone feels the need to rely simply on their own talents and abilities and not fully trust or lean on the Lord for renewal of strength. I encourage all of us—and yes, even me (especially me—the hypocrite in this area!), to find times to rest and recharge in His Spirit – take time to go for a walk, or read a book, or even better still, just sit by a lake and thank the Lord for the amazing gift of life we experience. Until we can learn to take care of ourselves, will we be doing what God calls us to do? He has called us to take care of what we have been given—the gift of life.