Let’s be honest, friends. Serving in ministry here in New England requires a special kind of stamina. We have that famous Yankee work ethic, combined with a deep spiritual need in our communities. As women leaders, we often add another layer to that: the instinct to nurture everyone, fix every problem, and bake homemade gluten-free muffins for the volunteer appreciation breakfast at 2 a.m.

I remember a distinct moment early in my ministry when I hit a wall. I was juggling leading a Bible study, preparing four hour-long sessions to teach at a retreat, and organizing a women’s luncheon at my church. I found myself crying in the church storage closet because I couldn't find the “right” kind of centerpieces for the luncheon. It wasn't about centerpieces. It was about having nothing left in the tank.