Scripture:
“Give careful thought to your ways.”
— Haggai 1:5
I’ve learned that there are seasons when exhaustion isn’t about doing too much—it’s about doing too much out of alignment.
In healthcare, we’re trained to push through. To keep going. To adapt quickly. There’s always something that needs attention: another exam to prepare for, another shift to cover, another box to check. And without realizing it, life becomes a constant response to urgency.
I’ve had moments where I was showing up physically, doing what was required, and still felt deeply unsettled inside. Not because I wasn’t working hard—but because somewhere along the way, I stopped pausing long enough to ask why I was doing what I was doing, and who I was becoming in the process.
That’s why Haggai’s words feel so relevant to me.
The people he was speaking to weren’t careless or unfaithful. They were tired. Life had delayed them. Circumstances had shifted their priorities. And over time, God gently pointed out that while they were busy rebuilding their lives, they had stopped centering Him in it.
So He didn’t accuse them.
He didn’t shame them.
He invited them to reflect.
“Give careful thought to your ways.”
For me, that question hits differently in seasons of training. When days are full and energy is limited, it’s easy to pour everything into surviving the schedule while neglecting what actually sustains me. I’ve had to ask myself: Where is my strength really coming from right now? And what am I giving my best energy to?
This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most with intention.
God’s invitation to realign isn’t harsh. It’s loving. He cares about where our hearts drift because He cares about our long-term endurance. Realignment isn’t a sign that you’ve failed—it’s a sign that you’re paying attention.
Today, I’m reminded that I don’t need to overhaul my entire life to be faithful. Sometimes obedience looks like a pause. A prayer. A moment of honesty with God about what feels off and what needs to be brought back into alignment.
Because when my life is centered on Him, even the busiest seasons feel steadier.
Reflection
Where have you been operating on autopilot lately?
Is there an area of your life God may be gently inviting you to realign?
Prayer
God, help me slow down long enough to notice where my heart and energy are being directed. If anything in my life has drifted out of alignment, gently guide me back. I want to build my life with You at the center—not out of pressure, but out of trust. Walk with me as I learn to live more intentionally in this season. Amen.