I’ve been going through a season in my life where I’m having a hard time focusing. Spring is a great time to enjoy the beautiful flowers and God’s creation, but it also comes with allergies, making it difficult for some of us to enjoy this season. I suffer from allergies every year, and this year has been the worst, which has also contributed to not being able to focus. I’ve not been able to do many things that I want to do in the evenings because the allergy medicines make me want to take a nap after I’m done with work. I also can’t do a lot of outdoor activities because I’m allergic to most trees, plants, etc., making it even more challenging to be productive in the evenings.
Recently, I read a quote on the Gospel Coalition Instagram page that said, “Know the difference between laziness and limitations.” There might be times in our life when we may not be able to do the things we were able to do because of health challenges or other life changes. We should give ourselves some grace during those seasons and take the time needed to rest and heal.
We also need to be careful not to fall into the trap of laziness. According to the Gospel Coalition Instagram page, there is a difference between laziness and limitations. It becomes laziness when we are physically capable, but we end up binge-watching or napping to avoid doing adult responsibilities. There’s nothing wrong with watching Netflix or napping, but if we use that as an excuse not to do chores, it can become laziness. The Bible warns us about that a lot. One of the verses was very convicting because I felt like I was starting to use allergies as a reason not to do anything in the evenings. According to Proverbs 26: 13-16, “A lazy one says, “There is a lion on the road! A lion is in the public square!” As the door turns on its hinges, So does a lazy one on his bed. A lazy one buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again” (New American Standard Bible) (Look also Proverbs 24:30-34, Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 21:25).
If you are in a season where you feel tired because of allergies or other health reasons and are less productive than you wish to be. I encourage you to keep showing up every day and take it one day at a time. One of the things I’m starting to do is focus on one thing, even if I don’t have the energy to do everything. I’m doing what I can and trying to celebrate the small things I achieved that day. For example, I need to catch up on my one-year reading plan, and if I start stressing out and try to catch up on all the days I missed in one day, I can get overwhelmed. Instead, I can focus on finishing one or two days at a time and try to be consistent with reading the Bible plan.
We are not machines, so it is ok to have seasons in our life where we are not as productive. It is ok to take the time to rest and recover during those seasons.
