Chaplain Lynne writes:

Many Chaplains are finding themselves pushed to their limits.

We are experiencing a building need for Chaplains. Those who are currently serving, are called upon to increasing demands.   This high demand on Chaplains, can lead to burnout and even compassion fatigue.

How do we counter this and protect the effectiveness of our service?

Living Shield Ministries has found that having a plan for caring for yourself is critical. We understand that it can be difficult for some to look at caring for themselves as critical skill rather than a luxury.  Chaplains are human. Exposure to others who are in crisis, pain and trauma can, and frankly will, affect us. Self-Care is not an option, but a necessary discipline for Chaplains.

One of the first key components to addressing our self-care is “rest”.  We often think of rest as just a quick power nap or break in routine.

The full meaning of “rest”:

• involves ceasing activity for relaxation or sleep
• providing support – or a place to lean
• a state of stillness.

A place of Rest is more like a habitation; it signifies a spiritual, mental, and emotional state of peace, trust, and cessation from striving.  For Chaplains this is found through a right relationship with our faith foundation – with God.

This state of “Rest” should address all the 4 aspects… physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

True healing “Rest” is not that 10-mile dangerous hike up a mountainside or riding a fast and powerful motorcycle in and out of thrilling switchbacks. It is not even that blind immersion in a loud and active video game or going for a long-sweat invoking run. Those activities meet our adrenaline and cortisol needs.

Chaplain, rest can be as simple as a few minutes dedicated to, and set aside for, quietness.

Do you do that regularly?  When was the last time you were truly quiet?

Time to breath deep, to allow the silence of the moment to refresh a weary mind and encourage a soul who has given much to others. To allow your faith foundation to flow deeply into your spirit and rebuild your inner strength.

True Rest also incorporates periods of silence.  Silencing the activity of our body, our mind and emotions. This allows our spiritual refreshment to seep in.

To encompass the Sabbath principle of ceasing labor, trusting in God’s provision, and experiencing the “rest for the soul”.

Chaplain, I challenge you to take just 5 minutes to sit in silence, as well as stillness.
That’s it… Just 5 minutes to quiet your mind, as you quiet your body. No music, nothing to hear, see or feel, except quietness.

Some Chaplains may find this difficult. You may even need to count your deep breaths in your mind, to allow that quiet stillness to happen…  But that shows you how much you need those moments.

Silence does not always have to mean complete stillness for lengthy periods.  Engage in gentle, purposeful movements, with a focus on peaceful stillness within, that promotes a restful attitude.

  – A quiet walk as the sun rises

  – Gliding on gentle waters in a kayak or on a board.

  – A snuggle with loved ones in front of a flickering fire

  – Breathing in the laughter of a child

  – Engaging in the Worship of a church body

  – Time set aside with your faith foundation to learn Peace   (Psalm119:165)

Rest that is healing and nourishing to the body and the soul. Rest that provides for you, personally, a safe place, a state of being “rooted and grounded” in Christ, free from fear and worry.   (Colossians 2:7)

A “settling in”, as in abiding, digging in deep and trusting in God’s finished work within you and thru you. This allows you to be refreshed and strengthened… to be the peaceful safe place that hurting people need.

Chaplain, it is our prayer for you that today you create a plan for self-care.

Make a commitment to be disciplined in it. Engage an accountability partner (your chaplain), on your plan development. Then utilize your skills for periods of true rest for yourself.

Blessings, Chaplain Lynne

 (please click here to go to comments to add prayer request)

“rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” ~ Colossians 2:7 (ESV)