Most Sunday Nights

Most Sunday nights I’m spent. Worn out. Energized but exhausted.  

From the lead up - agonizing over if the words and prep I have done will “work,” to the intensity of the actual delivery of the sermon - the internet says that 30 minutes of preaching is equivalent to working an 8 hour day of physical labor (and we know the internet never gets things wrong).  There’s the mental anguish of “making sure everything goes well” in the service even those things you have no control over and the challenge to bring your own worship while in your mind you’re making a mental list of “who’s not here today.”  There are the multiple meetings that seem to spring up like wild onions i the early spring.  There are the relentless critics and their stings.  There are the heart-breaking moments when someone shares their struggle with you and the heart-crushing news that someone you love is in some sort of spiritual/marital/personal trouble. Yes, when Sunday night finally finds me wound down I’m worn out.  

Most any professional counselor will tell you not to make major decisions when you are exhausted or under duress.  I want to challenge you to consider not ever letting one event, comment, critique destroy you - listen, filter, act, dispose of properly - but do not be defeated. Get a little rest, allow a little distance, quieten the louder minority voice and, if possible move forward. 

And, don’t quit on a Monday.