To
be read on the down days…
Dear Carol,
I’m sorry you’re feeling down today. Your energy is down, you ache, everything
seems too much. Easily overwhelmed,
feeling worthless, feeling that you’ll never write again, never speak again, never
do all the things you’ve been told you have to do to have a ministry.
I’m here to tell you that you are mistaken. You will be able to write, study, speak to
groups, have a wonderful ministry. I
know this because I am you on a good day.
Good days are when you have at least a little energy,
enough to write a little, to read and stay focused. You have good ideas for talks. You wonder about things, you ponder. You feel you can handle a talk now and then.
Great days are coming again to you, too. Those days you have energy to work on your
ministry all day, you have great passion for your work. You see God everywhere! It’s exciting!
It’s okay to have down days. The up days are coming, maybe as soon as
tomorrow. But while you’re feeling down,
don’t berate yourself. Try to just rest
and know that God is still working, you haven’t disappointed him. You will be okay.
Don’t beat yourself up.
Please. When you have the energy,
you will do it. If you have no energy,
it’s time to rest. Don’t worry that you
can’t focus to read or write. Don’t
worry that you’re just staring at the TV.
Don’t let the father of lies fill you with remorse and bitterness.
When you hold off the lies, the light shines
through. Let it through. You will feel better shortly. Just rest in God. You can do it. I know you can.
Love,
Carol
Do I ever need to write myself one like this! You gave me a practical way to deal with the ups and downs of the faith journey. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising how well it works! Thanks for the comment...
DeleteWhat a beautiful love letter! You touch a part of Self that is often overlooked. Self might need a pep talk, and realizing the best pep talk in the world comes from You - brilliant. God bless you on your good days, and hold you near in your not-so-good days.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
readthebookministries.com
If it's brilliant, then we know for sure that the Holy Spirit is at work, 'cause I'm not that bright! Thanks, Suzanne, for your comment.
DeleteBeautiful Carol! I believe God used your pep talk to yourself to talk to me today too. Feeling kinda low that I haven't been "totally inspired" to write lately, feeling like I'm not living up to what's expected of me in that area - But just like Joseph (as we learned at church just last night), my life is full of ups and downs too. Looking forward to more good days. Thank you so much for doing what God has called you to do!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad God used my letter to help you, Stacie. Ups and downs come too fast sometimes, and that's when I get overwhelmed. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteCarol, I've already forgotten exactly HOW I got to this post today, but maybe that's because the Lord cares much more than I recall the post itself. Thank you for such an insightful, hopeful guide to letting yourself off the hook, completely.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry. I had to use my letter Saturday because of a migraine. It's not always easy to let go of everything and give myself a break, but I'm amazed at how much this letter helps. I can't lie to myself, and I think that's the key. I also can't argue with myself about the truth that's in the letter. Does that make sense? Anyway, glad you stopped by...
ReplyDelete