Feeling the Heat?

Southwestern Ontario and parts east are experiencing a heat wave. With humidex, we hit 40 degrees on Monday and the air conditioners are back on despite it being the first full week of fall. Some are thrilled by the hottest temperatures of the year so far for many places. I'm not one of them, preferring socks and sweater weather about now.

Where I'm preaching, we're traveling the Exodus journey. Moses was forced to take the heat from the Israelites that God rescued from Egypt, putting up with the whining of 600,000 who were hungry and wanting more despite God's miraculous provision. They weren't happy with a steady diet of manna and quail, seeming to miss the point that God was doing something amazing in providing for them every day in the desert. Moses was working his tail off, slogging it out for what seems to be a pretty tough and unappreciative crowd. 

We may have many fewer people we are responsible for nurturing and leading, but we may already be experiencing some heat as leaders in this new season in the form of complaining parents or leaders, conflicts, best-laid plans falling apart and perceived judgement from those in authority. Any summer relaxation may already seem like a distant memory as programs are back in swing and the inevitable challenges arise. So what do we do? How do we find an oasis in the desert, a cool spot away from the heat? 

Take a look at the following and use whatever is useful to you from this list of heat busters:

1. Remember your calling. Remember your journey that got you to wherever you are and how God has been with you. You are not alone and God will provide what you need, even if it's not what you want. Pray for and watch for God's best given to you and offer your best in return.

2. Work to deflect whatever negative comments come your way. See them for what they are - not necessarily a comment about you and your capabilities but the anxieties, stresses and personal concerns of people. Take a breath and listen for what is behind the words. How can you address the need underneath what has been said?

3. Find wise counsel from a trusted mentor in your congregation. Choose someone you respect who has integrity, and who will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. This person may be able to shed light on whoever or whatever is making things challenging and the dynamics of where you are serving.

4. Take a long, hard look at how things are going and what you are contributing to the problem. What is your level of responsibility for the concerns and struggles that you are noticing and hearing about? What attitude are you showing in your response? Take ownership but be careful to not take responsibility for things that don't fall under you.

5. Avoid becoming part of unhealthy responses to conflict and discontent. Don't be baited to join in on conversations where people or programs are being belittled or attacked. Speak up for others, encourage positive communication and a higher standard of conduct.

6. Take time to exercise self-care in whatever way works best for you so that you can decompress and be ready for another day, such as the following: be aware of not over-loading yourself, eat right, sleep, go for a walk, read or watch things that inspire you, write, paint or draw, veg out and catch your breath, talk with a good friend about what is going on or deliberately avoid talking about what is going on to get a break from it, reminding yourself of all the other aspects important to your life outside of your ministry.

7. Take time for reflection to think through what is happening that you don't like and why. Brainstorm possible solutions. Sometimes it's appropriate and far better to do this with your leaders or others, depending on what the concerns are. Find ideas that will address issues in creative ways.

8. Perhaps most important of all - pray, read scripture, and listen for God's guidance. Recognize that you aren't the Messiah, but one loved more than you can imagine and equipped for this time. Remember to rely on God, shifting your perspective to Whose you are and Who has brought you to this point.

Hopefully, this heat wave will pass quickly! I pray that any heat you're experiencing will be something God brings you through unscathed, but hopefully with greater ability to lean into God. This is fertile ground for learning important things. Pay attention and don't forget what works for you so that next time you're that much better prepared and able to handle whatever is thrown at you.

Peace! And keep cool!