Volunteerism-The Balance Between Burnout and Fruitful Service

I have included part of an article Ruth Haley Barton(sorry I didn't realize the link didn't feature the whole article) a wise servant who leads others in the issues of Sabbath, work and rest. If you haven't read any of her books/articles I just recently have come across some and have been blessed by them.

First of all, this article's name stuck out to me as what I want in my life: A steady rhythm. I want to do work for the Lord but I also want piece's of my life to exhibit rest, calmness, peace in my thoughts and a still heart. Many times my days do not hold that rhythm and I think if that is how I live how am I being an a good example to my kids, the ones that I minister and beyond.

This area of volunteering in the church has also come up a fair amount lately in my church as we struggle in leadership of how to help people find their niche of service without getting burned out. This can get tricky as some people intentionally take on too many things and that is where we as leaders need to help them discern what are the expectations and help guide them to their most fruitful place and time involved in their service. Many times I even had made the decision for volunteers thinking that they are too busy or are not interested so I don't even ask them, instead of letting them decide. These things can get tricky but are vital to even how people perceive God. What does God expect? Do I do too much because I think it will please God? Am I not being faithful in certain ministry areas that I have committed too? How does this affect my relationship with God and my witness for Him?

My prayer for Advent and beyond is that I become attuned to the sweet peace of that babe and my Savior. He offers us many opportunities to serve Him but He also wants us to sit at His feet and experience fullness of His being and His life. http://www.ctlibrary.com/le/2007/winter/11.100.html