Exhausted, and Good

“If you want spiritual growth, you get to be exhausted.”

A fellow AA made this comment recently.

I agreed with him and had two thoughts: negative and positive.

At first, this truth seemed off-putting. Who wants to be exhausted? Why would things be arranged so I become exhausted to enjoy spiritual growth?

But then I had a second thought. There are many things I enjoy which involve exhaustion and fatigue. Tennis, basketball, and running involve exhaustion, and I pursue them with enthusiasm and anticipation. I am happy when I come off the tennis court, sweating and out of breath.

I am happy when someone suggests we shoot some hoops and work hard to win. When I run in the hot sun, breathing hard and pushing myself, I am possessed by a sense of joy.

For some activities, I look forward to being exhausted.

Why not bring this attitude to spiritual growth? Why not look at my spiritual journey as I look at a long run? Why not look at spiritual practice with the same lens as working on a tennis shot? Why not take the tiredness of a sport and look at the tiredness of spiritual tasks in the same light?

It is all about attitude.

Spiritual growth is exhausting, and with the right attitude, that is good news.

When I take the time to meditate and set up the day, it takes focus and discipline, which is tiring, and it is exhausting to be focused on God as I understood Him all through the day.

But with the right attitude, I am happy as I rise from my meditation and prayer, and I am possessed by joy if I am focused on God and seeking knowledge of His will throughout the day.

With the right attitude, practicing spiritual principles is fun.

Attitude. That is the key.