I'm Tired and I Don't Care Anymore

 

"The world needs strong women.  Women who

will lift and build others, who will love and be loved.  Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce.

Women of indomitable will." ~unknown

"I'm tired and I don't care anymore".  Whaaaat? Those words have never come out of my mouth or floated in my head.  Not as an exhausted mom of 3 young kids; not as an 8th grade math teacher who just can't take it anymore in October, February and May; not as a small business owner attempting to get bookkeeping records to my accountant, every year at this time.  Never.  

These words may have been offered up by me (and I'm guessing some of you) as a gesture of just plain giving up, surrendering all care, and admitting defeat in whatever the battle is.  Because I was just too darn exhausted.  Not exactly "indomitable will".

Not the best battle tactic.  But how do we fight fatigue and our weak lackadaisical responses?

Here we are in Women's History Month where we hear of contributions of incredibly resilient, courageous and accomplished women that have been woven into the fabric of our society.  But darn if we're not tired from doing it all.  And my main accomplishments to date have been raising 3 incredible kids, staying in a committed marriage for 40 years, surviving 25 years of middle school, and being able to name a Christmas Carol in like the first 3 notes.  Hmmm. 

Looking back, my unfinest hours have generally occurred when I've been tired and stressed.  I know when I'm tired, I eat poorly (mostly what's convenient & in the Flaming Hot Cheetos family).  When I eat poorly I feel poorly, and sometimes don't sleep because of that.  Accompanied by the stress- of a job, of an election, of a pandemic, of finances, of whatever, I then respond to people and situations poorly. Then it's just a cycle that keeps perpetuating itself.

What's the answer?  I hate the trendy term of "self care", as if it's something new and revolutionary.  God, in His infinite wisdom gave us guidance through His Word on how important it is to take care of ourselves, as people made in His image-

"So God created human beings in His own image.  In the image of God He created them;

male and female He created them." Gen 1:27

Creation of Eve, Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel, 1510

"Or do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  1 Cor 6:19-20

We were bought with a price, so our bodies should reflect our gratitude of God's gift and try to keep it free from defilement in any way - gluttony, sexual immorality, idolatry.

More importantly, God knew how run down we would get as women, being pulled in every direction.  So He cautioned us to have boundaries in all areas so we could have an abundant life.

"For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,

just as Christ does the church" Eph 5:29

And what I love about all this is that it's not a list of do's or don't do (like we women need another list), not a legalistic approach to life, but rather a heartfelt attitude about how we want to live and be-

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Cor 10:31

Because I don't want to be tired and I do want to care.

✙ Dear Heavenly Father, You so intricately designed us in Your image, fearlessly and wonderfully made by You.  You suggest loving boundaries for us so we can live to our utmost in Your care and grace.  Help us to be more disciplined and purposeful so we can be used by You.  Amen.