Burning the candle at both ends. That’s how some folks describe being busy. While there is nothing wrong with being productive and busy most of the time, what happens when that candle burns out? What happens when you have given all that you can give and folks around you still demand more? You cannot live life running a hundred miles and hour all the time, fueling yourself with caffeine and trying to be everything to everyone without something giving. We live in a society that tells us that we need more all the time. If you want something bad enough, you’ll run yourself ragged trying to get it. You cannot be a blessing to those around you and fill their cup up if yours is empty.
Cars need fuel to run, cows need the proper nutrients to raise calves, and people need rest and fellowship with others to make sure they are at their best. We were never designed to be alone all the time. The American dream tells us that we have to work harder chasing the almighty dollar so that we can have all the things that we want. Forget about time with family, it’s ok to miss ball games, dance recitals and school plays so long as you were working and chasing that dollar right? Not in my book. Boundaries are important. It’s ok to say no to some things and some people. Sure they might get their feelings hurt, but I bet they get over it in time. I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a moving trailer. All the material things that consume so much of our time won’t mean near as much as the family and loved ones that we leave behind when our time comes.
In agriculture especially, there seems to be an unusually high number of people that take their own lives. Lets face it, it’s a very stressful job. We are at the mercy of the weather, fluctuating input prices can cut into the bottom line and place even more hardship on operators and a million other factors that are out of our control can dictate whether or not it is a profitable year. “I’m fine, I’ll figure it out on my own.” The two biggest lines of crap that we tell ourselves. Swallowing your pride and asking for help is hard, but it’s necessary for our own sanity and health. It won’t hurt your cows for you to go spend some time with your family at church on Sunday morning, or take off a few hours early so you can watch your children in some activity. My grandpa taught me something years ago that I still try to live by. “There’s nothing so important that it won’t keep until the morning.”
988. Three numbers that might save your life or the life of someone that you love. Stress doesn’t go away, we just have to manage it better. Rely on those around you to help you. Learn to say no. Learn to set boundaries and learn that you cannot be everything to everyone. Take care of yourself so that you can take care of those around you. When the blue skies turn gray and you don’t think there is any other way out please dial those three numbers.
Take time to spend with your family this week. Make your way to church to be filled with some spiritual hope and don’t worry about the little things. That’s all for this time, keep tabs on your side of the barbed wire and God bless! Be Salty and Stay Lit Matthew 5:16.