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. 

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Those days where it feels like you’re juggling everything at once. Deacon Mike’s niece’s reaction to 'pumpkin spice' season is so relatable—and a reminder that we’re not alone when life feels a bit too much. 

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.

Ever feel like you’re doing too much? Deacon Mike shares a powerful reminder here: 'We do what we can, but we must rely on God to show us what He needs to be done.' It’s okay to let go of what isn’t ours to carry. 

• 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.

This really hit home: 'Do not go at this alone.' Ministry—not to mention the path of discipleship, the walk of faith, and even life itself—aren’t meant to be solo journeys. Who’s in your circle that you can lean on when things get overwhelming? Who is accompanying YOU as you accompany others?  Finding those people can make all the difference.

• 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!

It’s so true that in those dry, difficult seasons, God meets us in a deeper way. When we feel too busy, too stressed, too dry, or too overwhelmed, it can be tempting to sacrifice our daily prayer routine, our planned hour of adoration, or even our fully, active, and conscious participation at Mass.  Instead, these are the times to really lean in to prayer.    After all, Jesus spent 40 days praying and fasting in the desert before starting his public ministry.  We might not like the desert, but we can trust that He’s there with us.   

• 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!) 

Don’t forget the importance of self-care!  Ministry work can be intense, but we can’t pour from an empty cup. This reminds me of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19.  After running for his life and feeling completely overwhelmed, what did God tell him to do? Rest and eat. But even more than that, God actually sent an angel to minister to Elijah in his time of greatest despondency.  We need to take care of our own physical (a nap and a snack) and spiritual (rest and the Eucharist) in order to hear God’s voice and regain our strength.

Just like Elijah in 1 Kings 19, there are times when we need to step back and let God minister to us—whether it’s through rest, nourishment, or the encouragement of others. Deacon Mike’s wisdom reminds us that ministry, while rewarding, can drain us if we don’t take care of ourselves. Elijah’s story teaches us that even the greatest of God’s servants needed a moment to breathe and let God provide.

So when the “pumpkin spice” days feel like too much, take a moment to pause, rest, and pray.  Remember that God is not only ministering through you, he's also ministering to you - just like He was with Elijah - to refresh your soul for the journey ahead.

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