I'd be an insensitive idiot to suggest that those who work in churches are under equal stress as doctors, nurses, counsellors, the police or first responders. They face situations which I would crack under and do an awesome job nonetheless.
But in ministry, you do get the privilege to walk alongside people.
Messy people.
Hurting people.
And everyone, inevitably, gets a season.
Over time, without a break, the pressure can take a toll.
For everyone, including those in ministry, has a number of internal buckets they carry.
A bucket for emotional health.
A bucket for physical wellbeing.
A bucket for spiritual welfare.
A bucket for relational strength.
Sometimes, your buckets will be unbalanced.
You'll feel overwhelmed.
You'll be worn down.
You'll feel spiritually dry.
You'll get a growing feeling of apathy towards others.
It's at these times you'll be in danger of burnout - physical or emotional - or compassion fatigue.
For, once you're bucket is unbalanced - with your or another's issues - then you aren't in a healthy position to help someone else.
This is why holidays, particularly pre-emptive holidays, matter.
Time away gives those in ministry a chance to evaluate, if not empty, some of their buckets and allows them space to be able to help others with theirs.
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