The Cobbler’s Boots

Once upon a time, there was a cobbler who was very busy.

He lived in a large village and was the only cobbler in town, so he was responsible for repairing the boots of everybody else.

However, he didn’t have time to repair his own boots.

This wasn’t a problem at first, but over time, his boots began to deteriorate and fall apart.

While he worked feverishly on the boots of everyone else, his feet got blisters and he started to limp.

His customers started to worry about him, but he reassured them that everything was OK.

However, after a few years, the cobbler’s feet were so injured that he could no longer work and no-one’s boots got repaired.

As a consequence, soon the entire town started to limp in pain, all because the cobbler never took the time to repair his own boots.

I wrote this to illustrate a simple principle that is so often disregarded.

If you don’t look after yourself, after a while you’ll be no good to anyone else either.  Your best intentions will mean nothing and you’ll be unable to do what you’re meant to do.

This goes for pastors, leaders, social workers, teachers even parents.

If you don’t take the time to care for yourself, no-one else will.

I’m not talking about living a self-absorbed existence.

I’m talking about making sure that you have the energy and focus required to sustain your performance in the years ahead.

I’m talking about fixing your boots.

Are you looking after yourself?

If you keep going without making any changes, will you eventually burn-out?