The Flame Within

Sometimes, when my job feels boring, overwhelming, inconsistent, or too long…
I have learned to pause and remember.

I go back to the beginning.
That first year—when I was so excited.
When I was so excited to help people and was eager to learn all things “counseling” and “mental health”.
When the joy, purpose, and deep sense of calling was at an all time high.

I remember the absolute honor I felt—
that God would call me into this helping field.
That He would trust me to sit with people in their pain,
to walk with them in healing,
to be a safe place in their story.

And if I’m honest…
I also remember how inadequate I felt.

I didn’t feel fully equipped.
I didn’t have it all figured out.
I had to rely on God fully—moment by moment.

And maybe that’s part of what made it so powerful.
The dependence.
The humility.
The awareness that it was never just me.

Somewhere along the way, it’s easy to lose touch with the joy of the calling.
The weight of responsibility, the routine, the fatigue… it all adds up.

But when I intentionally tap back into those early days— And I purposefully “remember” those early feelings and memories…
the passion, the gratitude, the “I can’t believe I get to do this” feeling,
something shifts back into place.

The joy comes back.
The fervency returns.
The purpose feels alive again.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
— Romans 12:11 (NIV)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

And sometimes, it’s not about a full life change in the moment…
Sometimes it’s about remembering.

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other.”
— Isaiah 46:9 (NIV)

If we “used” to love what we now do for a living; it’s still there… We just need to tap into those memories, feelings, and into the God-given calling.

The calling matters.

If you’re in a season where it feels heavy or dull…
maybe, for now, gently go back.

Reconnect with the why.
Reconnect with the calling.
Reconnect with the version of you who was full of hope and expectation.

And maybe even reconnect with that place of dependence,
where you leaned on God fully.

Let that memory carry you until God reveals the next step.

⸻

Reflection 🤍

• When you first started, what did you love most about your work?
• Where did you sense God’s calling and purpose in that season?
• Where did you feel inadequate—and how did God meet you there?
• What has shifted—and what still remains true?
• What is one small way you can reconnect with that original joy this week?

Take a moment today to remember.
Sometimes, remembrance is the beginning of renewal.

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon