We can muster heroic acts of sacrifice, commitment, and self-denial for a while, but eventually if we don't pay attention to our personal needs, we run out of steam.
— Steve Brown

Ben Haden, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and an old friend, had spoken at a meeting in Miami, and I was driving him to the airport. At the time, in addition to pastoring, I was commuting by plane each week to Reformed Theological Seminary, where I served as adjunct preaching professor, and hosted an all-night radio program on Sunday nights (and sleeping most of Monday, my day off).

I felt I was handling it pretty well. Although I often tossed and turned at night, I would think, I'll sleep better tomorrow night.

Although at times I dealt with a load of unjustified anger or low-grade depression, I would brush it off as my having a bad week. People in church would say, "Pastor, you look tired," but that made me feel good. Besides, I felt, you can't pay much attention to that or you'll ...