Sometimes, We’re Not Enough
Posted on: 04-27-2014 by: Christian Carmichael
Sometimes I’m not enough. In fact, most of the time I’m not. It’s an illusion I’ve clung to that I can meet every need and every challenge that drops into my lap. It must be a mother-thing, something programmed into me years ago that I must help, or find a way to help. I’ve seen too, that people in the helping professions and ministry are vulnerable to humanity overload. I claim to give out in Jesus’ name but sometimes it gets all mixed up in my thinking… Maybe you know what I’m talking about.
On this rainy Friday morning I’m aware more than ever of my humanity. And we humans are weak—we wear out. We have expiration dates. It could be the unremitting pain in my neck and shoulder caused by a collapsed disc (and yes, I’m trying to do the right thing with physical therapy, ad infinitum). Regardless, my body is telling me something I need to hear: Stop. Let go. If you are caring for other people, it’s essential to take care of yourself, first. On a recent flight, the attendant instructed: “If you are traveling with a child and the oxygen masks drop down, put your mask on first, before you put on your child’s.” The lesson: If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of others.
It’s not a bad thing to be reminded of our weakness, of our humanity. Paul quoted: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”[1] Weakness reminds us of the true source of our strength, as spoken by dear brother Jeremiah: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”[2] So today:
• Acknowledge your humanity.
• Be aware of your pressure points, and take care of your self.
• Lean hard on the Everlasting Arms!
• Stand back, and see Him at work.
• Ask for help.
• Take time to see the beauty in every moment.
• Listen to great music—and smile!
[1] 2 Cor. 12:9, 10
[2] Jeremiah 32:17
Categories: Christian Life
