“Would you like to just be a participant in Bible study next year?” My co-leader’s words flooded me with both relief and shame. I was relieved because I found myself — as in many seasons of my life — hopelessly overcommitted. I was also painfully aware that I hadn’t been able to give my best effort to everything, including leading that Bible study. That’s where the shame came in.
This was the third time in a month where, seeing how thinly stretched I was, someone had offered me an out. My overcommitment had become obvious to others, and I was sensing a pattern.
How I got here
I did not set myself up for success. Last fall, along with leading a sixth-grade ministry with my husband one night a week, I also committed to help lead a Tuesday night women’s Bible study, participate in Moms Group, and be part of a Monday night small group.
I quickly realized the pace wasn’t sustainable along with work and my responsibilities at home. By January, I was burned out. I…
