Letting Love Fuel Your Ministry
Springtime in Wales is no joke! We go from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. One minute, we're bundled up and sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and the next, we're running around like chickens with our heads cut off, trying to keep up with all the events and activities.
Don't get me wrong, I love being part of this vibrant ministry, but sometimes, it can be downright exhausting. This year, I found myself stretched thin like butter scraped over too much bread (to borrow a Bilbo Baggins-ism).
Between the ladies' luncheon, the Easter outreaches, the ladies' retreat, the music for each service, the weekly Bible study, and the seemingly endless stream of meetings, planning sessions, and flyer creations, I was starting to feel like a hamster on a wheel—running, running, running, but never really getting anywhere.
And let's not forget the ever-present pressure of being a leader. Folks look to you to set the example, be the driving force, and often shoulder the bulk of the work. And I'll admit, there were times when I let that weight get to me.
I'd grumble under my breath, "Why does it always fall on me? Can't someone else step up for a change?" (Yes, I know those weren't my shining moments, and I deeply regret them.) It all came to a head one particularly hectic week when I stared at my overflowing calendar. My ministry calendar mocked me with its extensive to-do lists, while my writing calendar gave me a guilt trip about how it had been ignored for far too long. Something inside me just snapped.
"That's it," I declared, slamming my pen down. "I'm done. I can't keep up this pace. It's too much. I need a break. I'm tired of taking responsibility for everything else while my writing gets shoved in the corner…again! I did NOT sign up for this!!!"
In hindsight, that might have been a tad dramatic, but at the time, I felt justified in my decision. I was tired, worn out, and ready to throw in the towel. I felt used and like I had to choose between two ministries that were both very important to me.
But then, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom and gentle humour, decided to give me a little nudge—or, more accurately, a full-on shove.
It happened during our weekly chapel service. As I turned in my hymnbook, I noticed a familiar song from my days of teaching kindergarten. Thinking it a bit strange for an adult service but glad I actually knew the song for a change, I joined with the rest of the congregation as we sang the classic tune "Give Me Oil in My Lamp." As we made our way through the song, a particular verse hit me like a ton of bricks: "Give me love in my heart, keep me serving."
Suddenly, it all became crystal clear. In my pursuit of checking off tasks and meeting deadlines, I had lost sight of the true reason behind it all—love. This wasn't about me, my comfort, or my convenience. It was about serving Him and others with a heart overflowing with His love. And if that love didn't fuel my efforts, then what was the point?
As the congregation's voices rang out, tears streamed down my face. I had been so caught up in the "what" and the "how" that I had forgotten the "why" and the "Who."
From that moment on, I vowed to approach every task, event, and interaction with a renewed sense of love and purpose. Because, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about—loving God and loving others, no matter how busy or chaotic life may get.
So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, take a moment to refocus on the love that started you on this journey. Let it be the oil that keeps your lamp burning bright, even in the storms of life.
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. - I Peter 4:8