In Exodus 18:17-18, Jethro tells Moses “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” Moses was living a life that did not have healthy limits, and Jethro encouraged him to make some necessary changes to live within the limits of his own humanity.

Have you overextended yourself? Are you reaching your limits? In her book, Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry (2018), Ruth Haley Barton lists 9 symptoms that might manifest when we attempt to function beyond our limits. As you read through this list and descriptions, consider whether you might need to make changes in what you are doing and how you do it to restore healthy limits to your life.

1) Irritability or hypersensitivity – experiencing reactions that are out of proportion to events.

2) Restlessness—a vague sense that something is not right or that one is unable to settle down and sleep at night.

3) Compulsive overworking- unable to stop or slow down even when it would be appropriate, like at night or on vacation.

4) Emotional numbness – inability to feel things, good or bad.

5) Escapist behaviors—succumbing to escapist behaviors (such as compulsive eating, drinking, or other substance use, spending, doom scrolling, binge watching, etc.) instead of life-giving behaviors (healthy physical activity, connection with friends and loved ones, engaging in energizing hobbies or interests, etc)

6) Disconnected from your identity or calling – just “going through the motions” or living at the mercy of the demands of others, instead of measuring demands against who you are and what God is calling you to do.

7) Not able to attend to human needs – cannot find time to take care of needs such as important relationships, exercise, healthy eating, enough sleep, health care (doctor’s appointments or needed surgery), or even simple things like laundry and organization.

8) Hoarding energy – avoiding people or situations that would drain your energy.

9) Slippage in your spiritual practices—not having the energy or will to engage in spiritual practices that are normally life-giving.

If, in reading these descriptions, you have concluded that you are living near or beyond healthy limits, perhaps a Texas District Care and Coaching team member could help you make some necessary changes. They can talk through this with you, help you set goals surrounding healthy limits, and/or hold you accountable to making necessary changes. Reach out to a Texas District Care and Coaching Team member today! https://txlcms.org/texas-district-care-team/

By Christiane Hobbs