DON’T LOSE YOURSELF

The Weight of Obligations

Bills, jobs, assignments, and other obligations have entrapped us.

It feels like a never-ending cycle of working to pay bills, only to work again to pay more bills.

As soon as money comes into our hands, it seems to disappear just as quickly.

Enjoying God’s creation and the beauty of life has been overshadowed by inflation and the rising cost of living.

I know I am not the only one asking, “Is this all there is to life?” I’ve barely started my working career and already feel exhausted by the way our lives are set up.

Can we return to Eden? A place where we frolic in lily fields and sit under a juniper tree, watching birds fly across a crystal blue sky?

Ah, what a life. What a dream.

The Reality of Our Work Lives

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on perspective), not all of us can claim the testimony of being “rich” in the sense of living a carefree, retired life with no worries of bills or work.

As I mentor students weekly, I often ask them, “What is one thing you did this week that brought you joy?”

Some find it hard to answer, so I always encourage them to take a break from the pressures of college and do something that brings them happiness.

When I ask them this question, I reflect on my own life and week. I, too, need to take time for something that brings me joy.

One of those simple joys is looking at the Crumbl Cookie weekly selection and deciding which flavors I would try on Friday.

If you know me, you know I’ve become a loyal customer of Crumbl Cookies. Thanks, Atalie, haha!

It may seem like a small thing, but it brings me immense joy to sit in my car and savor those delectable cookies after a long week.

The Importance of Joy

What brings you joy?

What have you done for yourself lately?

Parents, when was the last time you took a break?

When was the last time you treated yourself to a meal out?

Pastors, when was the last time you took a break from your congregational duties and did something YOU enjoyed?

Employees, when was the last time you took your paid time off to truly enjoy life?

I know bills are piling up, and the thought of missing work may feel impossible. But let me share something with you—if you were gone today, your job would quickly be filled, and the bills would still be there.

Of course, I am not advocating laziness, but I encourage you not to lose yourself in your work.

Sometimes we become so loyal to our jobs that we forget to care for ourselves.

Some employers may not think twice about contacting you at all hours or expecting you to constantly put out fires.

Will you take the bait, or will you set boundaries to protect your peace and sanity? If your job does not respect your boundaries, they do not deserve your loyalty.

Refuse to lose yourself. Turn off that phone. They will manage without you.

You matter.

You do not need to be enslaved to today’s toxic work culture.

The Goodness of Life Beyond Work

This life holds so much goodness beyond bills and long hours at work.

Often, we believe that for life to be “fun” or “enjoyable,” we must do something grandiose. But joy can be found in the simplest of things.

Here are some simple ideas: grab a pastry from your favorite dessert shop, walk a nature trail, read a chapter of a book before bed, journal about your day, color, or paint on a canvas.

Whatever brings you joy—whether big or small—do it.

There are countless memories to be made, and so much to learn about yourself.

You matter.

You deserve the good things life has to offer.

You deserve rest.

You deserve to do something that brings you joy.