burnout
GUEST POST: Tis The Season To Keep Us Going
If you were to try to explain to a youth leader that Advent is…
It was a classically beautiful morning-after as I began the 300-mile trek from my home in the north to my daughter’s in-laws in the south of Idaho. A record-setting, drenching rain had overwhelmed the region the day before resulting in a spectacularly scenic spring drive. Every little creek was an exaggerated torrent of white-water cascading down hillsides and canyon walls. While the intention of the trip was time with family, it also became a renewal of my spirit and of new discovery in the ordinary.
Marie Becker has been working (paid and unpaid) in parish family, youth, and communication ministries for more than 20 years. She has two undergrad degrees from Oregon State University, catechist certification from Gonzaga University, and a master of pastoral studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. She has a heart and passion to help families create households of faith, promote ministry to middle schoolers, and support those who serve in parish ministries. Through her work with volunteers, she has also found herself called to mentor young adults. Marie and her husband, Carl, live in Moscow, Idaho, and they have three young adult children. Marie is also one of our facilitators at
MYM University.
I truly enjoy solo road trips. I crank my ‘Jesus music,” and I invite God into my journey. I think inviting God into my journey is one reason why a route I have driven scores of times can still astonish with new, previously hidden, revelations. This reminds me of Rev 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new.”
Perhaps, in the busy of the ordinary, we get distracted and lose sight of the amazing presence of God that surrounds us. It’s easy to get lost in our routines and lose sight of the amazing things God is doing through teenagers, parents, and leaders in our ministries. That’s why it is beneficial to have a day away. I have found that taking time away, whether in a long solo road trip or time with a friend, is not only important for both my sanity and my soul, it helps me pay attention to God’s presence in the ordinary.
How does one plan a day away? Here is what’s worked for me:
LOOK AT YOUR CALENDAR
Remember to consult your family and parish calendars so you do not overlook anything important. Let your family, fellow staff, and pastor know you will be unavailable on your scheduled day away.
FIND A LOCATION
Where do you like to go? Possible locations could be a hotel, a friend’s cabin or home, a monastery, retreat center, local park, or beach.
MAKE A PLAN
A day away, like any retreat, should include prayer, activity, rest, and food.
- Prayer – what will aid you in prayer: Bible, a book of reflections, journal, spiritual music, Rosary? Will you be someplace with Adoration, Mass, or Reconciliation?
- Activity – what activities should you plan for: walking, hiking, running, service/outreach?
- Rest – will you be inside or outside? What will you need to bring (folding chair, picnic blanket, etc.?)
- Food – what will you bring to eat and drink? How many meals will you need?
Decide if this will be a solo day or if you will invite a friend. Be sure your friend understands and agrees with the purpose of a day away. You may also choose to meet with your spiritual advisor.
While you can be creative with your day away, there is also someday away “do nots”:
- Do not plan a day away to just read. Only bring reading material that will help your prayer.
- Do not plan to work. If God blesses you with a new idea or two, write it down and leave it alone.
- Do not stay home and sleep all day. If you need sleep, take a day off and sleep. A day away is not a day off, it is spiritual “work.”
We all need a day away. It’s God who calls you to do His work, and He wants to refresh and reawaken your spirit to His amazing presence surrounding you. Take 10-15 minutes this week to look at your calendar and find time for a date with God. It may seem difficult to step away for even a partial day, but keep in mind, the peace and grace you’ll receive will also flow into your ministry.
Now you have some ideas of how and why to plan a day away, when and where is your next day away?
Marie Becker has been working (paid and unpaid) in parish family, youth, and communication ministries for more than 20 years. She has two undergrad degrees from Oregon State University, catechist certification from Gonzaga University, and a master of pastoral studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. She has a heart and passion to help families create households of faith, promote ministry to middle schoolers, and support those who serve in parish ministries. Through her work with volunteers, she has also found herself called to mentor young adults. Marie and her husband, Carl, live in Moscow, Idaho, and they have three young adult children. Marie is also one of our facilitators at
MYM University.