A Thimble-Full Goes a Long Way

I wonder if sometimes the only thing standing between me and a complete nervous breakdown is a lack of time to schedule it. Usually when I find myself acting freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional, I realize that I’ve outrun my coverage. You know what I mean? All the tools, resources, spiritual disciplines and structures that support my sanity, spirituality and recovery get depleted and suddenly I feel naked and alone, left to my own devices. This is never a good look.

Brokenheartedness is under-rated. As much as we all want to avoid it like those extra pounds that gather on our bodies after holiday feasting, brokenheartedness serves a purpose. It reminds us of what we need and allows us to loosen our grip on all the things we clutch onto as half measures.

When we are in need, we often search for things we want. Our needs are never satiated by our wants. So I invite you to give yourself permission to let your broken heart speak to you. Sit quietly, listen to your disappointments. In yourself. In others. In God. In your desires, passions, and even your unmet preferences.

And then, instead of turning it into a pity party, close your eyes and breathe. Repeat after me...

You are a shield around me…

O Lord...

you bestow glory on me...

and lift up my head...

Psalm 3:2-3

Repeat until you find that sacred, quiet space within you.

Next up? Find a small way to provide a thimble-full of encouragement to someone else. You yourself do not have to feel encouraged for you are not giving away what you have, you are passing on what was given to you in this quiet space of remembering that God is for us, with us and in us.

See if that helps shift something in you. It’s ok if it doesn’t, because you can know that at least your act of kindness may have shifted something in them.