Do you feel worn thin, frazzled, or burned out? Our schedules can be full of things we think we must do. Our daily “to-do” list gets longer and longer. We cannot relax until every entry is crossed off and every need of others is met.
Oh, sister, I understand. It can often seem like we are racing to get to the weekend, but even then, we’re overbooked. Our bodies are tired, and our souls are weary. It seems like we never experience the rest we need so desperately. We can feel so anxious that restful sleep seems completely out of reach. We continually think I should be doing XYZ.
“I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls” (Jeremiah 31:25, MSG)
We may spend our days weak, weary, frustrated, angry, and exhausted. The push to be “superwoman” is strong. You may be a wife, mom, friend, counselor, minister, chauffeur, cook, or maid; the list is endless.
We all have seasons in our lives that are more hectic. But even during those times, be intentional. You don’t have to be all things to all people.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)
As I look back at the seasons of my life, my twenties are a blur. I was working full-time, a new parent, and always super-involved in ministry. But God saw fit when I turned thirty to give me a precious little boy who said “No” to all that. He wasn’t content like my firstborn daughter to be shuttled endlessly from here to there. He wanted, no, he needed, to be at home. As an adult, he’s still a homebody.
“Slow down and enjoy the journey” became our family motto. Three of the four are Type A personalities, get ‘er done, and driven. But I’m persuaded that God gave us the gift of our son to show us how to step back, take a breath and look around. It has been a real blessing.
Dear friend, I have one word for you today. STOP! Okay, and just one more, REST! Turn everything off and be unreachable. Slow down before you completely break down. You have poured into others; now it’s your turn to be renewed and refreshed.
“ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31, NIV).
Stop and take a look around; appreciate where you are right here, right now. Rest and lean into His strong, loving arms. And always ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
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