When scuba divers return from the deep, a change in atmospheric pressure takes place. If this change in pressure happens suddenly, physical problems such as “the bends” may occur. This is a condition caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream and body tissues. Symptoms include joint pains, itching, rash, swelling, numbness, weakness and choking. Sound like fun to you?

Smart divers take precautions to avoid this. One key measure is to decompress slowly from the dive site to normal atmosphere. The pressure must be raised or lowered gradually. Divers are able to readjust to normal pressure without consequence.

Ministering to people is a lot like that. The act of serving others can drain the minister – sometimes without the minister’s awareness. Sometimes pastors go home after an entire day of dealing with the needs of others, and attempt to relate to their spouses and kids, pay bills, mow the lawn, and so on. They haven’t given themselves time to readjust. They haven’t taken precautions to decompress as they go from the metaphorical dive site to a normal atmosphere.

To help you maintain a healthy balance, here are some decompression suggestions: