I’m writing this early because I’m about to have some holiday and if I leave it until I come back it will undo any good that the holiday has done for my wellbeing, as I find writing these stressful. I am very good at ensuring other people look after their wellbeing but I don’t always take my own advice.
The things that need to be done before you go away can increase your stress. I got a payment card for my holiday two weeks ago but decided that I needed to get some currency as well. I tried one currency exchange who, although advertising the rate for the currency, didn’t have any in stock. The operatic society I was a member of prior to moving to Oxfordshire were performing Rock of Ages in the same school theatre that they used 30 years ago so we decided to go and see that and call for the currency on the way. You may recall that I love musical theatre as well as 1980’s music, including rock music, which is the genre of the music in the show.
We had seen the show previously at the Theatre Royal so we knew what the story was and although this was an amateur production it was excellent. One of the lead actors was unwell but the person who understudied was excellent. It didn’t matter that he carried a script whenever he was on stage. It also made me realise that whilst I love musical theatre, I’m too old now for some of the popular shows today. It was also lovely to catch up with some of the people we knew who are still involved with the society. We came back from that show uplifted with the final song ‘Don’t stop believing’ ringing in our ears.
Some of you may know that I have recently joined the chaplaincy Bank staff team at the RVI and Freeman. The majority of my shifts are on a Friday which is usually my rest day but I do occasionally offer other days if I’ve nothing in my diary. Although doing one day a week means it takes longer to get used to the routine, I am enjoying it and it is feeding me by giving me the energy for circuit ministry. By getting away and doing something else it clears the mind and helps me to think outside the box.
I know that there are many people in our churches who are exceptionally busy and juggling the different roles that they have both inside and outside the church. I have challenged myself as well as others for standing by and letting someone who is already busy take on extra jobs. As a result they are spinning lots of plates and at some point some may actually get dropped. If or when that happens then it can mean that they become unwell and need to take time off which adds even more pressure on a few people. Some people at church and circuit level have been in roles for several years because no one has come forward to take over. Some have more than one role to ensure that the church and the circuit meets its obligations. It doesn’t have to be a weekly commitment e.g. if it was something that needed doing every week could four people do a week each.
The world moves at a faster rate today. We live in a 24/7 society where many people expect instant gratification. Many people, including young people, feel under constant pressure which is leading to mental health problems and burn out. Whilst going for a run helps my mental health, I know that I need to do more to improve my well-being because life is a marathon not a sprint.
I pray that this summer you are able to recharge your batteries to ensure that you are looking after your own well-being but that we also ensure that we are not adding additional pressure by demanding more and more of others. God wants us all, not just a few, to have life in all its fullness. Let’s hope the sun will shine and we come back refreshed and renewed and ready to do what we can to serve God.
God bless,
Lynda