But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. - 1 Kings 19:4-7
If you have been reading these devotionals, sat in a webinar, or a workshop that I led, you have heard about H.A.L.T. So, if you have heard this before, you need the reminder. If you have not heard this before, you need the information.
H.A.L.T. is an acronym used for Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. If you are dealing with any of these feelings, you are more likely to not handle pressures in life well. A normal situation may send you into a rage or tears. This is the time you are more likely to lose your patience, most likely with the people you love most.
I received a call from a director when I was traveling. She was in complete tears, and I had never seen this person in such a vulnerable state. As we talked through what was happening the picture unfolded. She had not eaten all day. (Hungry) The night before she had not slept well, because she was anxious about a board meeting. (Tired) Due to unforeseen circumstances, not a single volunteer had shown up that day. (Lonely and maybe Angry) I quickly advised her to get healthy food into her stomach, and take a 30 minute nap before the board meeting. She texted me to say what a miracle that did for her mental health.
In leadership, we rarely stop to take care of ourselves in the middle of guiding a ministry. Keep H.A.L.T. at the forefront of your mind, and the Father close.
Blessings,
Ashley