A Sharing for All in Ministry :)

Hey guys...

My dad forwarded me this email which I thought is quite appropriate to share with all of you :)
Enjoy!

Everyone in ministry feels overwhelmed by their calling from time to time. Whether it's the ministry of raising children, or caring for an ill spouse or elderly parent, or working a job in a way that reveals Christ, or a responsibility at church or the priesthood of the ordained, it's important to take time out for ourselves — a vacation, a holiday — for nourishment and rest and recuperation.

If we don't obey this commandment, we become cranky. We make selfish or poor decisions. We become like the evil-doing shepherds of the first reading, who misled and scattered those whom they were called to serve. The reason why it's so easy to become unlike Christ while doing the ministry of Christ is that we cannot give what we do not have. It takes energy to reveal God's love. It takes energy to remain enthusiastic in our service to God's kingdom.

But how can we get recharged with new energy if we don't take time to sit still, rest, and pray? How can we care about others when we don't take good care of ourselves? Jesus lives within us, but before we can give him to others, we must first let him minister to us. Daily we encounter people who are like sheep without a shepherd; they are seeking Jesus whether they realize it or not. They want the unconditional love that he has to give. They want the healing and peace that comes only from him. He pities them and wants to help them, but if we who are his hands and feet and voice are too weak and worn out from our hardships, what then? If we're insufficiently healed from our wounds, and if we're missing the peace of Christ, how can we be peaceful shepherds who lead others to his healing power?

We need to go to a deserted place with Jesus and rest awhile in his nourishing love. If we go away on a retreat or vacation and come back to our ministries (parenting, care-giving, work, or other responsibilities) still cranky (i.e., if the people we shepherd wish we'd go take a longer trip), we haven't rested enough. We've cut short the restoration process. Nevermind the pile-up of workload. Jesus is inviting us to "Come away by yourself and rest awhile longer with Me until you become more like Me."

Questions for Personal Reflection:
What work of the Lord has become unhappy for you?
What stole your joy?
How can you get it back? (You might need a spiritual director to help you figure this out.)
What needs of yours must be met before you can feel enthusiastic about ministry?
What will you do this week to let Jesus meet these needs?

God bless you all :)
Lotsa love!

Clare