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When Weariness Sets In-by Heidi McLaughlin

Posted: May 15, 2022

An article on weariness is what brought me to tears. Whoa…what brought on those tears? I don’t think I feel weary why did this impact me so profoundly? I realized this article hit a trigger and I recognized my spirit was weary. Anyone knowing me would quickly respond by: “Well Heidi, you have too much on your plate, you’re always on the move, no wonder weariness has set in.” But that’s not it. My personality and passions do propel me to add many wonderful things to my calendar, but this is not a physical weariness.

But this is not a physical weariness.

For two years we’ve hung on by our fingernails waiting for Covid to be over. And yes for the most part we’re back to normal but there is underlying and lingering angst and anger.  Too many of my friends are sick right now from Covid and stress.  Angry drivers have given me the horn and finger and some even shouting at me through their windows. Churches in Canada still do not have their “normal” attendance because many are still afraid and some have become lethargic. Isolation during Covid has caused miscommunication and misinterpretation. We’re not listening to each other and we’re dividing.  Some days I’m heartsick and that’s what is causing my weariness.

We’re not “loving one another and building each other up” as the Bible commands us to do.

This weariness always reminds me of the last two kilometers of my 5 K walk.  The first part is easy and I pray, hum and drink in the beauty all around me. Then I get to the last portion of the long and steady incline. I start to huff, puff and sweat even consider quitting and turning back.  I look ahead and the incline is too long, overwhelming and it would be easier to just give up. But then I have to refocus and re-adjust my perspective and keep a few things in mind:

1. I’ve done hard stuff before and gotten through it.
2. The hardships always prepare me for something bigger, greater and this is where I gain more wisdom and resilience.
3. Stop looking down at the mud (or the incline) and keep my eyes fixed on the goal. The finished result. The satisfaction of making it through. The new and glorious things waiting for me at the other end.

The camaraderie along the way.

When emotional, mental and spiritual weariness sets in we need some tender soul care.  To refocus I pull away by myself with nothing to do but hike, walk or read.  I keep my eyes fixed on nature and God’s word, which is bigger and stronger than my seemingly small issues.  Sometimes I even cry. The Psalms are my source of strength and hope and I drink in those life-giving words. I put text messages; phone calls on hold and tone down my social media activity.  A tea or coffee with like-minded friends fills my soul.

If this resonates with you today, my heart goes out to you. But can I tell you: “Don’t give up.” Instead re-evaluate. Rash decisions made in the middle of raw vulnerability are not often wise or productive. Do some intentional soul care and give God space to speak to you.  His words will always take you on the path of rightness,  (is that even a word) righteous and restoration. God be with you.

 

 

 

Posted in: anxiety, ask God, circumstances, Conflict, Covid-19, cry, disappointments, do the right thing, don't give up, Encouragement, focus, God's creation, Hearing God, hiking, listen, Making Wise Choices, Overcoming Struggles, re-evaluate, resilience, rest, tender soul care, weariness