I love what I do, but it’s amazing how even that which you do and that which you feel “called” to do can grow in an unhealthy way to become idolatrous or simply draining. While we all know we don’t live in a fantasyland where everything is life giving all the time, there are important things we ought to be doing – not because we have to – but rather, we get to preserve vitality in our life.
The consequence is that you can get in a funk.
So recently, I’ve been asking myself some questions to check my balance because spirituality isn’t just about going to church for an hour on Sundays or, in my case, preaching a message on a Sunday. I’m incredibly grateful that we’re wired in such a way that our spirituality is holistic and also unique. What is life giving to me might not be as life giving to others, or our priorities may be different as well.
As I regularly check in on the “how is my soul?” question, here are numerous questions I’ve been asking myself:
Am I praying?
Praying. Listening. Praying for myself, for others. Being still…As my mind whirls around with dreams and ideas, am I being still?
Am I reading the Scriptures?
And not just for the purposes of teaching but for my own self? That I open myself to the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
How am I doing with my wife?
Are we still dating and growing together? Are we experiencing intimacy? Good communication. Deep conversation. Laughter.
How am I doing as a Dad?
I need to be more present and to deeply enjoy them. And not go #TigerDad on them. I so much enjoy playing with them, praying with them, and creating memories with them.
Am I sabbathing?
Shabbat. Seriously.
Is there a day, or rather, let me be more realistic, is there a full half-day where I’m remembering, resting, and rejoicing in the Lord?
Friendships?
Do I even have friends that aren’t just focused around ministry or what we can do for one another but simply care and enjoy one another?
Am I writing?
Blogging and writing is actually really good for my soul. But sometimes, I have to remember to write for myself and for my vitality rather than looking at writing as another “task” or ministry item.
Am I exercising and playing sports?
This used to be one of my passionate hobbies…
Am I fishing?
Refuge. Solitude. Peace. I used to go fishing twice a week, but besides a two-week intense plunge over the summer, I no longer fish. And I need to…
Am I playing music?
I need to get back on my guitar. Sing. Write.
How about you?
What are some unique or common things you do to fight the funk, restore balance, and get the mojo back?
Eugene Cho is the co-founder (with his wife) and executive director of One Day’s Wages—“a movement of People, Stories, and Actions to alleviate extreme global poverty.” He is also the founding and lead pastor of Quest Church and the founder and executive director of Q Cafe—a non-profit community cafe and music venue in Seattle. Eugene is considered one of the prominent bloggers on issues of justice, faith, ministry and utilizing social media for good. You can follow him via his blog or Twitter.
