I am a big picture person. That is I see the forest, not the trees. I am best motivated by visualizing what I am working towards, how the details fit together. If I have a big picture, I begin to plan and work, and if I slow down and let God into it I pray. I am really trying to do more of that and to take better care of myself, yet some days my schedule is not my own, and I need to respond to an unscheduled person or situation and soon I am chasing my tail around in fatigue. Or, other days, I get so excited about something going on in a ministry or how God is working. If I do not stop, rest, and refuel then I am running on empty. Not very often, but sometimes after a rigorous pursuit, I am frustrated because I do not see any results of my efforts – I don’t see any changes, any signs of God’s presence and kingdom.

And if it goes on long enough, I feel like I’m in a valley of dry bones, where the life and Spirit are gone and I hear God asking, “Mortal, how can these bones live (Ezekiel 37:3)?”

How can our spirit be encouraged? How can we regain a sense of purpose? How can we get motivated again?

About three years ago, my family and I visited Cozumel. A friend told us of a dive shop that he knew. My wife, son and I decided to take scuba lessons. I remember getting suited up after some instruction and going under water for the first time. The instructor’s words before I went under were, “Remember to breathe.” It was easier said than done, however.

Ezekiel reminds us, “Remember to breathe.” God said to Ezekiel, “I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” Wherever we are dead, dry, broken, hurt, remember to breathe and let God’s Spirit bring life.