There are three habits or actions all we humans like to do. Trust me ...... I have done all three of these, and through time have discovered that there was a better way to live life and develop a richer life perspective! First of all here is the list of the Running Syndrome that I have experienced.
1. Run around......... as much as possible!
2. Run down.......... until we drop!
3. Run away.......and we say "world go away"!
Run around: So much activity and overloaded lists to accomplish that it all actually causes us to lose focus. Our attention span gets shorter, and our ability to fully function in one task till it's completed gets lost. We seem to think we can do six things at once, and sometimes even pride ourself in all that we are 'getting done'. Yet the details in many areas get overlooked and sometimes costs us time and a redo down the road, simply because we were running around too much. Too many engagements, too many activities, too many plans, too many sports, too many crammed days and nights!
Run down: We are on the go so much, that we start losing energy, our emotions starts sliding down and we become exhausted. This over- extension of our lives can make cowards of us all! Negative thoughts such as doubts and fears start bombarding each one of us. Learn to watch for the signs that you are running out of juice. We all have weak spots that can drain us, and the enemy goes for that area. When we get full of negative fears, it means we have run out of grace. We start feeling sorry for ourselves and end up being negative about every part of our lives. We will feel like we are the only one going through a tough place in life, and we don't have the strength to keep fighting.
Run away: We run from our calling in life.
Run away from living for Christ, or being a Christian each day. Run away from those who can keep us going the right direction in life. Run away from what God created us to do in life. Run from responsibility, work, integrity and a dedicated life.
What can we do to get away from this type of habitual and stressful living?
First STOP and pay attention to these words ...... read them carefully, decide where you might be at the moment in this list of 'running'.
1.Stop running around..... Learn to do one thing at a time. Start each day with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to be in charge of all of the details. Go slower in your mind, prioritize most important, to least. And do each task thoughtfully staying in each moment to fully 'live' it and complete it well. Your mental health is determined by guarding your thoughts well. You don't have to say 'yes' to every single thing going on around you. Not every day and night should be filled with duties, activities, events, parties, school functions, church events, studies, game-nights, after hours stuff, shopping, and don't forget the ever increasing social media outlets that scream for constant attention!
2.Avoid running down.....Matt 11:38 says, "Come to me all Ye who are weak and burdened and I will give you rest".
The spirit affects the body, but the body can also affect the spirit. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Take personal time each day to renew and refresh, reorient self daily with rest, water, vitamins, healthy foods and sleep. Read the signs internally when you need a break - and take one when you start losing energy. Your physical health is determined by guarding your body well. We are apt to get negative, make bad decisions, overcharge, and over spend ourselves as well as our wallets when we are worn out. Avoid this..... what's your sleep pattern look like? Getting 8 solid hours every night? How about your water intake? Do you know how much water you are supposed to drink every day? What's your daily vitamin intake? YOU are the only one who can take care of YOU. Are you run down right now just reading this? Learn to say 'no'..... start taking care of yourself wisely.
3.Don't run away ......Find what you love to do and then start training to do it well, is very important to living a significant life. The only way to determine what you are made to do is ask the One who made you with the talents and giftings only you have. Then follow the open doors that come across your path with God's help. Your spiritual health is determined by guarding your personal relationship with God. Instead of running why not just start a slow walk towards your calling in life. It will put a spring in your steps! It matters to God that you finish well, after all YOU are His design on purpose in this earth. He will be your partner in this adventure called life, if you let Him. YOU have a destiny to fulfill!
Your body, soul and spirit are waiting on you to stop running and start a better way to live - one day at a time with purpose! Isn't it time to get off the treadmill of going nowhere and start living a meaningful life on purpose?
