The book I have given away most and why: The Rev’d Tania Eichler
Faith book reflections
“The book has helped me to understand that I am not working for God, but rather that God is working in and through me, and I really need to honour that. It has also helped me prevent burnout by putting into practice self-examination, setting boundaries, and creating rhythms,” says The Rev’d Tania Eichler
Story Timeline
Clergy burnout and wellbeing
Last October was a dark time of much change, both externally and internally, when I felt out of alignment with God’s desires for me. I was tired. I was anxious. I just wasn’t myself. It was a season of wilderness that led me searching for reading material to help restore my soul and bring new life. I had this deep sense of knowing there was more to sabbath than just physical relaxation. I knew that I needed to align my life again with God’s rhythm. That is when I came across the audiobook, Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life. Return to Sabbath by Curtis Zackery.
This book really spoke to me because it shares the author’s personal story with such real and raw self-examination, and in a way that I could identify with. As I listened, I found myself nodding and saying, “Yes, yes, yes!” This book has led me to rediscover the true meaning of Sabbath in honouring God and how God is calling me, leading me to peace, life, joy and sustenance.
Curtis encourages us to trust God and embrace rest intentionally. It’s not just about ticking a box — it’s about meeting the Lord of the Sabbath in our moments of stillness. In resting we declare our dependence on God, exercise our faith in God’s provision, and receive refreshment. This has led me to examine anything I am tempted to “do” on the Sabbath and asked to “do” on ministry days, helping me to reclaim a healthy rhythm with God.
As Curtis says, “To dig into Sabbath is to shape your life — the people, the calendar, the disciplines — around the idea that obeying God is a marathon, not a sprint, and this marathon has scheduled rest stops that will guarantee you finish in one piece.”
Identity is closely connected with rest, as he says: “Our misaligned view of rest has its roots in an identity that is out of rhythm with God. When we understand Sabbath in the way God intends, it can dynamically affect every aspect of our lives.”
The book has helped me to understand that I am not working for God, but rather that God is working in and through me, and I really need to honour that. It has also helped me prevent burnout by putting into practice self-examination, setting boundaries, and creating rhythms of rest at the beginning of the day, during the day, during the evening, and during sleep, that honour God. And, I believe I am called to model this to other ministers.
I have recommended this book to people who share with me that they are tired, exhausted, overwhelmed and experiencing compound stressors, and they have found it encouraging.
I am inspired by the ultimate invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11.28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Curtis Zackery, 2018. Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life. Return to Sabbath. Kirkdale Press, Washington, USA.
Editor’s note: If you would like to share with other readers what faith-related book, including those with theological, spiritual, ministry, Church history or justice themes, you have given away (or referred) the most and why, please email the anglican focus editor, and Michelle will let you know what is needed.
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