I will never forget the first time my pastor taught on “rest”. It was definitely altering for me. Ever since I had become a mom I thought I shouldn’t rest. Now that’s not to say I never took any time for myself. But when I did, I think I felt a little guilty. I felt as though I shouldn’t need rest. Somehow that made me less. Shouldn’t I want to and be able to be with my family all of time? Why would I need to take a break from caring for my family and my home?
Because rest is needed.
As my pastor would say, “the nature of work is that it is never done.”
On the seventh day God rested. It is important. I need to take time to replenish my body, mind and spirit. It does not make me less. I am not weak or less caring because I sometimes need…dare I say enjoy…a short break from my everyday life.
I am blessed enough to have a husband who encourages me to do that. Whether it’s a night out with girlfriends or a church retreat, I feel completely comfortable doing that.
It took me quite awhile to get to that place. It took scripture, some good teaching and some wonderful women to get me here.
I want to encourage you to rest. Maybe you can simply sneak away to your bedroom for some reading or to watch your favorite show. Maybe it’s a nap on the weekend.
This I know, we cannot serve our families and communities well if we are running on empty.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing;
so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Genesis 2:2
so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Genesis 2:2
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Matthew 11:28
