3:37 – How Many Spoons Do You Have?

#faithbites #faithjourney Spoons

I’m tried. Between work, school, health, family, and everything, I’m tired. It’s hard to describe what being tired really means when dealing with chronic health. A friend introduced me to the spoon analogy. This theory helps to explain chronic illness to those who don’t have it. In a nutshell, you only have so many spoons at the start of the day. Each activity you do takes a specific number of spoons. You may not be up to doing something because you need a spoon for later. Or you try to use more than your allocation of spoons and pay for it for days. It’s a good read if you’re interested. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory

Lately, I feel that I’m out of spoons. My daily allocation isn’t enough so something gets dropped. Maybe it’s the dissertation, laundry, housework, work, or a hundred other things. There just isn’t enough spoons in the day.

Praying to God and feeling his presence helps with the spoon count. Sometimes it’s clarification on when to use a spoon or not. Other times it makes one spoon last just a little bit longer. The key is not to give up on God because you may lose a spoon. He doesn’t require a spoon. He gives you peace.

Scripture

• Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31
• Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:29
• “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed. – Exodus 23:12

Reflection

We often stumble and fall as we try to do more things than we have the physical or spiritual energy for. Not enough spoons. The problem is we try to do all the heavy lifting without God’s help. Jesus can do all things and we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13).

I’m not saying that prayer alone will instantly give you unlimited spoons for your body. But it will give you spiritual energy to help ensure and thrive with what you physically have.

In the end, the point of the analogy is to help people understand that though you may not look sick, you can be suffering. Likewise, we can be spiritually sick, but look fine to those on outside. So be kind and know that the Lord grants everyone rest.

Challenge

If someone isn’t following through on something or if they aren’t up to something. Remember it not be by choice. They may not have the physical, mental, or spiritual spoons available for that. Give them grace and prayer.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, your people are tired. We try to do everything on our own and fail. We come to you when we can’t to it but we are already exhausted. Help us. Give us your strength. Help us use our spoons more effectively. Give us compassion for those who are suffering either visibly or not. We love you and give you all the glory. Amen.