I have nothing left to give. The thought bounced around in my mind as I took a deep breath, prayed for God’s empowerment, . . . and gave some more.
Most homeschool moms have been there. We keep going on sheer will when we’ve had little sleep, too many demands, and are pulled from every direction. The question I often have is: should I pray for more strength or just take a nap?
I wish I had a magical potion to solve this problem. You know, maybe a jar of something that tastes like chocolate truffles and says, When you feel you have nothing left to give, take 2 Tablespoons and wait for surge of joy, energy, and passion for task at hand.
My life would be much more simple. But, then I guess I wouldn’t be so often reminded that I need Jesus. Every day. Every minute of this journey. Showing me how to respond to the struggles of life.
I certainly don’t have all the answers for this very real problem. If I did, my tired eyes wouldn’t be squinting as I type this article. But, I have discovered some things that help me when I feel all worn out. Maybe they’ll help you, too.
Cling to God’s Truth
Sometimes when I feel I have nothing left to give it goes back to my attitude. I’m emotionally worn-out from believing the lies of the enemy. I’ve let old voices play in my head that tell me I’m not good enough—as a mom, a teacher, a Christian. Or I compare myself, my methods, or my children to someone else and feel like a failure. Sometimes I don’t compare, I just place put my family on a continuum with perfection written at the top and I wallow in how far we are from the ideal.
For me, the best way to fight off these negative thoughts is to replace them with God’s truth. If I feel inadequate I remind myself that I am equipped in Christ Jesus for every good work that He’s prepared for me to do. (2 Corinthians 9:8) When I try to live up to perfectionist standards—and fall on my face, of course—I remember that God’s power is perfected in weakness. I freely admit my frailty to the Father and ask Him to work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Heart Check
Often, when I feel worn-out, there’s been an emotional neglect of myself. I haven’t taken the time to be honest about the struggles I face. I’m trying to handle things God never intended for me to carry. One of my recent favorite Scriptures says, "I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble." (Psalm 142:2 NIV) I’ve discovered that sometimes all I need to carry on is an honest conversation with my Father. I tell Him my troubles, have a good cry, and leave that heavy stuff in His hands.
