Counting the Cost
January 31st, 2008 at 10:52 am by Dee O'Neil Andrews
A moment of honesty . . .
In talking with my psychologist about my deep depression a couple of weeks ago, he advised that one important thing I should do for myself for a while, at least, to try to get better is the carefully count the cost before I make a decision to do anything.
For instance, I'd found myself more and more isolated and turned inward because I couldn't handle being in large groups of people in public places. (Like Wal-Mart - that certainly costs some psychic energy). My son has been wanting me to visit with them at First Baptist church, which has a membership of about 800. I'd been wanting to go, but just wasn't sure I could face it and had been feeling guilty about declining.
But, Dr. Osborn said that if it were going to cost me two days of depression afterward, then going for an hour of worship might not be the thing to do right now. There would be all of those strangers, parking lot full of cars to fight in trying to get in and out, having to try to get up earlier than I have been (which is not early), having to get made up (which I haven't been doing too much of for a while, either) and on and on.
He said to consider each thing that I wanted to do carefully to make sure beforehand it was something that I wanted to do enough that I could endure the consequences. And believe me, right now that includes nearly everything I do. I must count the cost.
I think the same thing applies spiritually. I think we must think through things we want to plan to make sure that not only we, ourselves, can and will follow through and be able to handle the consequences, but also pray about each one that God be with us in the decision. We need to realize that everything we do costs us and we not only should carefully count the cost for things we do, but also not take on too much.
I used to be there, which is one of the ways that I ended up here. When I take on too much, and I've always tended to do that, it costs me deeply in every way. I think we need to be selective in choosing what all to do.
Not that I'm advocating doing that about Christ, Himself. We must be fully committed as Christians, but selective in our service, praying carefully about each one.
That's my advice for today. For what it's worth. Think about it and pray about it, if you will, before you decide what to think about it. That's counting the cost.
Dee
I don’t comment too much on too many blogs, but I do stop by many and pray. I live in upstate NY near one of the Finger Lakes…national statistics list it as an area where the sun shines the least; when I fell into depression, I basially lost my ability to function around people; it cost me my job and almost my marriage…. being around crowds was extremely difficult for me; the noises in my head were strong enough without adding the noise of crowds…so instead I would grab my bible and pad of paper and retreat to the lake shores; I spent hours reading, writing, walking or simply gazing out over the lake; enjoying the simplier sounds of birds singing, the wind through the trees or the rippling water against the shore.. I was able to process my thoughts deeper and draw closer to God and restore some inner peace that I had lost through many years of poor choices and taking on too much…It has been my most successful therapy. I am praying for you.
donna
Dee,
I am praying for you. Depression is not easy to live with. My son has been dealing with it for over a year and although I feel he is doing better, he still has his days, but I don’t think he recognizes it like you do. I’m glad you blog. You have such a talent for writing.
Oh we count the cost alright, but it’s usually after we’ve done something and now we’re trying to either “make payments” or bargain for a better deal because the consequences were too costly! I hope you find better days very soon.
Good Thoughts! Thanks for the insight into what you are dealing with right now! It helps us to know what helps and what hinders you…we will keep it in mind!
You are so right Dee! We so often fail to count the costs of our decisions.
I will continue praying for you. I hope things get brighter for you soon.
You are in my prayers, dear sister. You offer some excellent advice in this post.
Blessings in Christ,
-bill
Spiritual Oasis Blog
Great advice and advice to be heeded! Hang in there Dee.
Wise counsel, Dee. Thank you for these words.
I hope and pray the best for you. Keep doing those good things you know will help you to feel better.
sending ya a flybyhugging!
have a great weekend !
Good advice.
Though, sometimes, we just have to go ahead and do what our hearts tell us to, in spite of the cost.
Because Jesus did.
And it cost Him everything.
He thought we were worth it.
(You’re in my prayers!)
- Keith
Excellent advice!
Hang in there!