He knows his energies are depleting rapidly. Yet he continues to drive himself until he finds himself flirting with cynicism, sarcasm, unbridled candor and a feeling of emptiness. Mark McGwire was being interviewed by ESPN about his incredible year of 70 home runs in 1998. I had no energy, no verve, no drive. I was empty.
Any conscientious pastor knows the feeling.
It also takes a toll on family. You deprive them of precious time they deserve. It could be as simple as recognizing that a Baptist church is the strongest kryptonite. That may be all it takes to bring him back to earth. You can live with the fact that you are not Superman.