Part 4. Why are we all tired? (Series: Being Tired)

Why have we become a society, a generation, a world of ‘being tired’

I’m tired, you’re tired, we’re all tired… But why?

Here are three things that I think are worth noting as to why we feel this way:

1. We live in a now, instant world where response time matters. Decisions require urgent attention, and the dependency on the rat race matters because it’s become the social standard.

2. There are so many things that keep us distracted and numb. There are so many things that keep us overwhelmed or in a constant state of overstimulation.

3. We’re all searching for purpose and meaning, searching for what we were made for. And we’re overthinking it all as if we could control the outcome.

These are but a few of the many different things that make us tired. We haven’t even addressed circumstances, or spiritual  warfare, or loss and grief, etc.

The point that I’m trying to make is that the pressure we have built up as a society to be ‘busy’ has placed an immense amount of fear in us. Causing us to be anxious, overwhelmned, stressed, and most importantly, losing sight of God in the process. Full stop.

Time and time and again, I’ve been asked: “What have I been up to these days?” I also like to ask the same. So, it’s only expected that they would return the favour. And it’s a great question. I often say, well, you know just as much as I do. Because so often it’s been that way. Not that I’m wasting my time away… I’ve been busy on my family's homestead, preparing the gardens for spring, canning, learning how to make cheese, learning about herbalism and making herbal remedies. While also plastering walls, painting exterior walls, grouting tiles, and so much more. But I’ve not been a part of the rat race in a while.

It’s been such a fulfilling season of life. But, I am well aware that when I’m asked that question, my answer might not satisfy society's mould.

And I think I’ve figured out why… I’m not chasing something.

I’m not chasing the ‘next thing.’

I’m not chasing a dream or feeding some sort of materialistic hope.

It’s the first time in my life that I’ve really let God stop the noise.

Don’t get me wrong, I live with dreams in my soul that I know are there for a purpose. And whether I like to admit it or not, I’ have the travel bug and adventure is my middle name. I have vision and goals, business ideas and hopes.

But… I’m also learning to live in the moment. Sure, I don’t do it perfectly. But, I’m enjoying the ‘here and now.’ I’m enjoying family and building lasting friendships. I’m enjoying writing music, painting, and getting creative, which is something I lost a whilw ago.

I’m learning what it means to be present and not miss what God is doing ‘now.’

So, I say all of this to say, don’t lose sight of what God is doing right now. Maybe you are going through a hard season of grief, or loneliness, or singleness, or new beginnings that seem daunting. Maybe you don’t know how to turn your button off.

I want to ask you this one question: are your social standards keeping you from seeing what God is showing you in the ‘here and now?’

Take a moment this week to ask the Lord whether this is true for you or not. And know that you are never fighting the battle alone. Take it from someone who perhaps only understands a glimpse, but God is fully aware and with you in it. He understands more than you know, and when we run to His feet instead of the chaos around us, or the chaos in our minds, we find the comfort that sustains: God. (Psalm 23:4; Psalm 94:19).

Until next week,

Much love and blessings,

Your sister,

Jessie