Browsed by
Tag: overdo

Dog-tired

Dog-tired

Comments 9 comments

Dog-tired--dog lying downAfter a dog’s long hunt, chase, or play, it drops to the ground dog-tired. Following long busy days, we also feel tuckered out and want to collapse.

Dog-tired means exhausted.

Worn out, we want nothing more than rest. We long for:

Dog-tired often makes us grouchy.

We don’t want anyone or anything to bother us. If someone interrupts our rest, our response frequently falls short of perfect.

Like dogs, our fatigue comes from common causes.

We engage in too much:

  • Work
  • Play
  • Other activity with too little time

When possible, let’s pace ourselves.

  • Work with others so workloads don’t overload.
  • Take time to enjoy favorite activities.
  • Do what we can and don’t stress about the rest.

Look for the positives in whatever we do and try not to overdo.

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to all the sorrowing” (Jeremiah 31:25 TLB).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.

Too Many Irons in the Fire

Too Many Irons in the Fire

Comments 4 comments

Too Many Irons in the Fire--Anthony SalyersAnthony Salyers demonstrates the work of an old-time blacksmith shop during Greg Lawhorn’s annual Molasses Day. Anthony knows not to put too many irons in the fire. If he does, he will probably ruin part of his work.

Many of us have not learned that lesson. We fail to limit ourselves. Instead, we stay busy as bees with too many activities at one time.

Too many irons in the fire means we try to do more than we can handle.

A blacksmith must limit the number of irons in the fire when making horseshoes or other items. We must also limit what we do, if we want to do anything well.

Although we know better, we still try to do too much.

We overload ourselves with:

  • Work commitments
  • Family responsibilities
  • Community events

Often vacations get overloaded as well. We cram as much as we can into the short time we have. As a result, we return to work exhausted.

With too many irons in the fire, something will eventually fail.

  • Our work becomes less than the best.
  • We get sick.
  • Our families struggle.
  • No one’s needs get met.

Rather than overdo, why not do what we can do well?

Focus on the most important. If we have time and energy, we can add more. If we see we cannot do it all, let someone help.

“You’re going to wear yourself out—and if you do, what will happen to the people?” (Exodus 18:18 TLB).

Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.