Have you ever tried operating in multiple passions simultaneously? There can be great outcomes from functioning in multiple passions at the same time, but it can also be tricky and challenging. There are times when I am at work in the things I love to do and they cohesively mesh well like peanut butter and jelly on bread. They just go together. Other times, there may be a collision of passions if I am working on them all at once. Think about making a PB&J with extra toppings. That can become messy and too much. When this happens to me with numerous ventures, I need to take a moment to pray and ask the Lord for direction. Do I continue with all I’m involved in or should I temporarily pause my endeavors?
How do you handle operating in multiple passions?
The PB&J Sandwich Result
In this series I have divulged a few of my passions…one is writing, and the other is working with/caring for youth. Though I discovered my love for each in various seasons of my life, I have recently been operating in them collectively. Like how peanut butter and jelly go together I figured out the same for both of my interests. As a result, the idea of writing a book that focuses on connecting with youth is in the works. I have sandwiched my passion for writing and my passion for working with youth into a book. What’s your passion PB&J sandwich result?
The PB&J Sandwich Extreme
Even though I was able to bring two of my passions together producing a wonderful outcome, this is not always the case. Let’s take the writing and working with youth PB&J sandwich then include serving in childcare ministry, dancing on a worship team, while being engaged with my outreach program! This is like adding bananas, chocolate syrup, and bacon to the PB&J sandwich and smashing it all together. Sounds messy right? Maybe even unappetizing. It’s completely overwhelming because it’s too much.
Have you ever felt consumed by doing too many things, too many hobbies or pursuits?
Mental and physical strain floods in and causes exhaustion. With exhaustion, all the tasks are affected and there is a lack of productivity. I love my passions, but I hate being overwhelmed when at work in them. So, taking time to pray for direction on what to do, and listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit always saves me. I adhered to His guidance and permission to take a break from dance worship this season. Though just this one activity is off the table for the time being, it’s been a big weight lifted leaving me to operate in the other passions more effectively.
With this experience, I learned that it’s okay to step away from an activity I love to take a break and later pick it up in the appropriate season. I want to be strategic in trying to merge my endeavors and avoid any collision of them at all costs. I only want to take on what is reasonable for the season to thrive and generate a wholesome outcome in the end.
Have you ever been weighed down by operating in multiple passions at once? How did you work through that season? Are you still struggling along?
Comment below or email me back to share your experiences.
留言