My friend, Heather, reports enthusiastically that her daughters are a great source of joy for her. They love her completely and unconditionally, and this is a wonderful gift. Heather also indicates that the girls are the biggest source of drain in her life – most specifically, the NOISE! (Heather shared that one in particular talks incessantly – even when alone in her room!)
My brother-in-law is a middle school science teacher, and in an interview with him, he told me there is nothing more rewarding (that brings him joy) than having a productive lab with his students; where he knows learning has happened, and he’s made a real impact with the kids. In a separate part of my conversation with him, when he was sharing what really drains him, it was these very same labs!! He described how completely done/exhausted/flat-out-beat he is at the end of one of these *bigger* lab days…
In my own life… my primary relationship – (my husband) – brings the greatest rewards and the most profound joy; AND when faced with challenges, this relationship leaves me totally drained (and I am sure I can have the same effect on him!). For me, a work day full day of training sessions (where I am the facilitator) are among the most fulfilling of my day job; but at the same time, they leave me without anything left (other than maybe the ability to pour a drink and call for pizza…)
Our relationships and vocations are wonderful, wonderful gifts.
In both, we are called to draw out the best of who we are – sometimes (hopefully) our most creative selves – to engage in meaningful moments. The energy required in these efforts is well spent, in my opinion. Sometimes the effort places us in vulnerable situations; when something means very much to us, we can be more easily open to disappointment and more exhaustion…. ugh.
Of course, I am going to continue to think about this … what are the *things* in life that simultaneously bring the most joy and the most drain?! Do we sometimes not recognize the awesomeness of the source of drain…? Are there some drains totally exclusive of these – some that are just miserable and give nothing back?
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