I’m just so tired. I work full time leading a youth ministry of 30 regular young people and it takes up the majority of my time and energy. I’m so passionate about these young people and seeing them meet with God in new and exciting ways, but it takes up all that I am sometimes. I love what I do, I can’t see myself doing anything else, but this calling, responsibility, lifestyle I have in my youth ministry is draining me. I have a team of 4 volunteers which I am so grateful for, but they aren't around all the time, its not their main priority. There are DBS forms to fill out, parent consent slips to collect in, mission trips to organise and mid week cell groups to plan. But not only that.

I feel the responsibility on my shoulders, these young people will one day grow into women and men of God, leading churches, running banks and teaching children. 

But then I remember that its not my responsibility at all.

We can stop. We can close our computer screens, turn off email notifications and switch our phones to aeroplane mode. We can trust in our God, the God of rest and grace, and give all of our ministry and ourselves over to Him. 

God I thank you for the ministry that you have given me in my youth work. I thank you for the blessing and encouragement the young people are to my life. I am sorry for holding onto the responsibility and task myself and give it back to you. I lay this down at your cross and am sorry for picking it up again when I laid it down for you previously.