The demands and responsibilities of life are often draining. And many times this is by their very nature as they require us to give something of ourselves. But while we might understand and accept this, it’s also important to find those things that fill us up with life as well.
For instance, we have to work to eat and provide for our basic needs. And work by its very nature is demanding and tends to leave us drained afterwards. But meaningful work can also bring us life.
There are few joys that compare to accomplishing the unique call God has given us. Even in our small, everyday tasks, there’s great joy in seeing our vision come to reality – using our strength to manifest the desires of our heart.
And, to be sure, this work might not always be our 9 to 5 and might come through our side gigs or hobbies as well. But in either case pursuing this meaningful work is part of how we find life and fill our days.
We can also find life relationally.
Friendships are a good example of this. While the work of friendship should not be neglected, generally speaking, friendships are one of life’s necessary luxuries. Simply spending time together fills our souls and doesn’t come with the usual demands that accompany marriage and parenting, for instance. Though of course, like work, our home life is often a mixed bag of moments that drain and moments that fill us with life.
But whatever it looks like, it’s important to find regular moments that bring life to our souls. We become depleted and ineffective when we’re always pouring out and never filling up.
Faithfully serve those God has entrusted to you. And guard your heart. Don’t let your soul be constantly drained without also finding life and filling up on joy.
Photo by Felix Rostig on Unsplash
