We all have those days that seem to come at us in full force – days where everything feels overwhelming and we wonder if we can make it through. Ministry life can magnify those moments, especially when it feels like we’re supposed to have the answers for everyone. In this thoughtful reflection, Deacon Mike Eash from the Diocese of Green Bay shares his wisdom on handling the "pumpkin spice" days of life – the days that challenge our capacity and test our endurance. His relatable advice is a balm for anyone feeling the weight of ministry and life’s endless demands...

A few weeks ago, my wife Lisa and I travelled to Indiana to visit my family. We were able to visit with my niece which doesn’t happen very often because she is in her early twenties and, well, “has a life.” Like many young people she is trying to find her way through life and is currently a barista at a well-known national coffee chain. When we met up with her, Lisa asked her how work was going. She looked at us with an exasperated look and said, “Pumpkin spice came out today.” No other words were needed to describe how work was that day.

Truth is that most of us experience those “pumpkin spice” days where everything comes at us all at once and we can barely get from one thing to the next. Those days are especially hard for those who work in ministry because we may feel like we do not have the time or energy to effectively minister to the person in front of us. When too many “pumpkin spice” days begin to accumulate, it is easy to begin the internal conversation of questioning whether it is worth continuing. I am sure we all know of someone who left ministry work because they felt too overwhelmed to continue or that they were not able to spend their time on what was important. Maybe you are feeling that too. 

I would love to conclude this article with some platitude that would solve this problem. Unfortunately, the best I can do is relate a few things that I hold on to when those “pumpkin spice” days start to stack up.

• • We are not in ministry to solve all the problems. When I first started my new role, a wise priest told me that we do what we can, but we must rely on God to show us what he needs to be done and that may or may not require our assistance! Be aware of taking on things that are not yours to own.
  • Do not go at this alone. Anyone who has worked in ministry for any length of time has likely experienced a feeling of exasperation to the point of desperation. Find those that you can share your struggles with, so you do not have to carry the weight yourself. Being able to articulate frustrations can sometimes help unwind the issues in our mind.
  • Sometimes the desert is the only place that God can find you. When things feel like they are going from bad to worse and you feel your spirit being crushed, do not discount that you are exactly where you need to be for God to find you. Just know that he is always at your side!
  • Take a break! Grab some break time even if it is just a few minutes. Take a walk, read a book, or maybe even go get a pumpkin spice latte! (Just be nice to your barista!) 

So when the “pumpkin spice” days feel like too much, pause, rest, and pray. God is not only ministering through you; he is also ministering to you. The question is not simply how to recover enough energy to keep going, but whether everything you are carrying was actually given to you.

Our Prayer & Discernment hub explores how leaders can slow down, recognize what is driving their decisions, and receive their part in the mission rather than assuming every visible need belongs to them.

 Deacon Mike Eash is the Director of Evangelization & Discipleship for the Diocese of Green Bay.  His article is used here with permission.