Burnout + Retreat + Mercy

Burnout

Burnout is a term easily tossed around, the way somebody might claim to be starving when they're merely hungry, or freezing when cold. That's harmless if a person is describing a tired day or week. But somebody who is actually burned out should be prepared to take serious action because it's a condition that needs attention . . . (the author) defines burnout as 'chronic stress gone awry.' The big three symptoms are emotional exhaustion, cynicism & feeling ineffective . . . For those who suspect they might be on the road to burnout, there are practical tools to mitigate it. Among others:  physical exercise, sleep & positive social connection . . . " ["Burnout: A Modern Malaise," Jenny Rough, National Review Online 3/31]

COMMENT:  I was suffering from burnout when I took a medical leave of absence from LHNE & went on disability in the fall of 2014. I either didn't recognize it at the time, or I was in willful denial. Hindsight is always better than foresight, right? Although I was reluctant to take a leave, it was good advice, & I wish that I would have taken some sort of serious sabbatical. For sure I should have made an effort for physical exercise.

Retreat

"How many of us can even get through a traditional newspaper column without being tempted, or simply unable to resist, the urge to go check our phone for something--anything--potentially new. Everyone know about 'fake news'; how about the needless repetitious information that we voluntarily submit ourselves to daily, & that we even form what sound to be strong, emotional opinions about? Some of it is no better than gossip. Most of it not only has no positive effect on our lives, it also takes us away from the people & needs around us that should demand our attention. It's a never-ending reality-TV show that keeps trumping itself (& no, it's not only the president!) for new plot lines . . . 
       Retreat may sound like an escape, but it's actually more like a reboot. The culture could use one right about now. So the least we could each do is consider giving it a try." [Kathryn Jean Lopez, NRO 4/8]

MERCY

"Answer me, O Lord, for Your steadfast love is good; according to Your abundant mercy, turn to me." Psalm 69:16

"It's been said that mercy is not getting what we deserve, & grace is getting what we don't deserve . . . 
       "We know we don't deserve God's goodness, but in faith we hold onto the truth that God will not turn us away. Instead, He reached out to us through Christ on the cross. In His abundant mercy, God did not give us the punishment we deserved, but the grace we did not deserve." [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]