In Chapter 1 of Simplify, Bill Hybels tells of the time a few years ago when he felt so depleted for months that his wife and kids suggested he spend time at the family cottage in Michigan- alone. God took the scales off Pastor Hybels’ eyes in a little grocery store in town when he realized he was more concerned about his timetable than assisting a wounded Vietnam War vet navigating the store in his wheelchair.
At that moment Bill realized the price of depletion. He learned the hard way how important it is not to let oneself get completely run down. Depletion not only harms the people around us, it damages the soul. When we are toxically depleted, resentment and irritation can be dominant feelings. We get scattered and lose our ability to focus, jumping from one distraction to the next, accomplishing little.
Pastor Hybels emphasizes the path to simplicity is a process requiring total honesty. He asks us to recall a time when we were replenished and filled up. As we strive to master the art of simplified living, those times of replenishment can become the norm rather than the exception.
The author concludes when we’re telling God what to do and we’re mad at the world, it may be time to hear God say:
“Let’s sit down together. We’ve got some things to work out, you and Me. You’ve lost a connection with Me somewhere. You’ve lost your bearings on true north and now you’re just spinning. But I have a better plan.”
Toda’s question: How have you experienced the price of depletion following your vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “What replenishes your soul”
