Believe me, I understand.
Who has time to rest??
You do much in a day. It’s quite amazing all you accomplish. No one would believe it unless you were followed for 24 hours… Raising little ones, driving the carpool, preparing healthy meals, keeping up on laundry, bringing home the bacon, running errands, volunteering, fitting in exercise, arriving home exhausted after a long day of work with a list a mile long waiting for you.
And now with the busiest season of the year upon us, it’s likely our plates are going to be overflowing. (Not just with turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy, either!)
For years I found myself on the run from Thanksgiving until the end of the year. My schedule was out of control. I did too much to try to make the holidays “perfect.” Only to find myself sick in bed before, during, or after Christmas. You think I would have learned a lesson, but this didn’t happen just one time, but for many consecutive years.
Last year, however, I stopped the madness.
I took time to rest.
And let me tell you, it was the most beautiful Christmas season I can remember in a long time.
God provides for His own. It is pointless to get up early, work hard, and go to bed late anxiously laboring for food to eat; for God provides for those He loves, even while they are sleeping. Psalm 127:2 Voice
I gave up my belief that taking time to rest was being lazy. I thought I’d see if what others said was true… that I would still be able to get everything done in time–and probably more–if I took time to rest.
I can’t sit here and say it was easy, because it wasn’t. I battled my entrenched habits and pretenses. But, the desire for God to have His way in me was greater than the desire to strive for the perfect holiday, and end up being sick again.
So, I let go of the unhealthy obsession of experiencing a “perfect” Christmas season. I began to let those who offered to help me. I decided that it was time to embrace the season and to let go of unrealistic expectations.
To be healthy in all the ways I could be… for my sake and for my family’s.
Rest may come in different forms, but when we rest in God’s care, in His presence and in His love, that’s the soul-fulfilling rest that trumps any other we could accomplish on our own.
Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Eternal, the Everlasting God, The Creator of the whole world, never gets tired or weary. His wisdom is beyond understanding. God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care. Young people will get tired; strapping young men will stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded,never weary. They will walk—never tired,never faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 Voice
We may think we don’t have time to rest, but truly, we can’t afford not to.
Friend, let’s commit to finding ways to rest this season. What’s one way you can do that today?
May God bless you as you do so!
Much love,
Julie
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I’m totally with you, Julie! Last year I was sick from Thanksgiving week clear through Christmas eve. I had bronchitis, and went to the doctor three times before they were able to get it under control. When I first got sick, what did I do? I went to work (teaching school.) I tried to keep going. What a mistake that was! I learned the important lesson you shared here – we can’t afford NOT to rest. Thank you for this post. Great advice as we near the Christmas holidays!
Kristine, you understand exactly what I’ve gone through. May this year be a year you and I (and everyone) listen to our bodies and take time to rest! It’s too easy not to, but we both know what can happen when we don’t. Thank you for being here and for sharing. Have a blessed week!
This is such a great reminder and example of the Kingdom principle of rest! I love seeing stories of people finding true rest in God and His ways!
Thanks for sharing!
Amen, Andrew! True rest in God is the best rest possible. I continue to remind myself of this truth. Thanks for stopping by!
Julie, I agree wholeheartedly! With so much happening around us it’s easy to get lost in all of it and forgo our time with God. Seasons of rest are the best and even when we don’t have a “season” making time to rest in our Savior’s arms is simply amazing. Glad to meet you via Purposeful Faith!
Hi Crystal! It’s good to meet you, too! Thanks so much for stopping by. Amen to your words! Have a blessed week!
Rest is so important. I could’ve gone out with friends tonight, but decided to stay in and rest instead.
You are wise, my friend. Good choice. I’m glad we can encourage each other to keep resting! Have a blessed day!