We live in such a fast-paced world. Everything runs a the speed of the internet.
And we no longer know how to be still.
We equate resting with a lack of productivity. We never know peace because we don’t know how to be peaceful. In fact, oftentimes, even when we think we are “resting,” we are usually doing something.
This harried, frenetic pace has made us weary.
Weary fathers, weary mothers, weary children.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
God’s Word talks much of resting, being still, and even peaceful sleep. {It also speaks to the slumber of laziness, but that is not the point I am making here…}
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 3:24
It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.
Psalm 127:2
Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes
Psalm 37:7
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10
It is not wrong for us to rest. We labor and we rest. It is a cycle that God put in place. Resting affords us an opportunity to be still and seek the Lord in our quietness. The quiet mind and heart can praise the Lord because we have cast the worries of the day on Him.
Yet, so many of us have forgotten HOW to rest and must relearn the art of being still.
These are the things I’ve done to relearn how to rest…
1. Reading my Bible – the kind you hold in your hand and turn the pages yourself. Interactive electronic Bibles have their place, but restful, they are not.
2. Listening to more music. Peaceful music does wonders for the weary soul. One of my favorites is David Nevue.
3. Sitting outside and noticing things – the clouds, the trees, the children.
4. Afternoon Rest Time. It’s mandatory and I force myself to actually REST. I like to take the baby to bed with me and nurse him because it is relaxing for both of us.
5. Afternoon Tidy Time. It doesn’t sound relaxing at face value, but the end result is a home that feels peaceful and creates an atmosphere of rest that signals the day is coming to a close.
6. Leisurely meals. A short time ago, we realized we were eating our meal and then immediately getting up from the table to race into Table Chores. After listening to Vision Forum’s Family Strategies session on Family Meal Time, we decided to slow our meal pace down purposefully and spend time at the table just being together.
7. Winding down in the evenings. The last 15-30 minutes of my day, no matter what time I go to bed, are spent unplugged and winding down. As mothers, we often find ourselves going at breakneck speed from sunup to sundown and beyond only to fall into bed exhausted and sleep away a fitful night. Give your mind and body time to decompress from the day’s events with a good book, a bath, or just time sitting quietly on the couch or in bed with a journal. Thank the Lord for the day and for the sleep!
I truly believe my spiritual life and my physical life have become much more abundant since I’ve become purposeful in my resting. I do not feel as weary and my daily life as a homemaker has been much more fulfilling because I am laboring AND resting.
I am weary no more.
Dear Moms,
