Mark 6:31-32
And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
As a mom who’s schedule is super busy with a full time job, writing/blogging, two teens who require constant travelling with sports and jobs of their own, I’m a part of a weekly woman’s group, a home to take care of plus I’m still a daughter, a sister, a friend etc.. I can reach points of exhaustion beyond my human limit and I’m quite sure I’m not alone.
In order for me to function best, I need my daily one on one time with God as this sets the tone for my day. However, I’ve noticed that when I am physically and/or emotionally drained, it leaks over to my spiritual life and I find myself slacking. This made me realize the importance of rest and balance in my life.
I’ve learned to pay attention to the warning signs of burnout. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I find myself getting easily annoyed or irritable. This is when I know I have to stop, pray, and get some rest because I cannot afford to lose myself in the busyness of this world and neglect my relationship with God.
This may look different for everyone but one of the ways I’ve learned to balance my life is by prioritizing and setting boundaries. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of saying yes so for me, balance requires not being so hasty in agreeing to everything but rather praying on it first, choosing wisely and if need be, turning some things down, recognizing that everything is not my assignment.
I’m big on keeping my word and don’t like to break promises so I rather say no upfront than to commit knowing I have no intention of following through. Actually, that is foolish because God tells us to keep our word for it is better not to promise than to promise and not fulfill (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Matthew 5:37).
Another way I try to live a balanced life is by having a set time where I put my phone down for the night and turn off all notifications. I also have a schedule of my priorities which I try to keep to the best of my ability.
I’m aware that there are things that cannot be put off and simply need to be taken care of, but in the midst of all of life’s demands, we need to be wise and aware of the negative impact disregarding our individual time with God and taking care of ourselves can have on us.
Resting and self care is important because it allows the body, mind and soul to be refreshed and refocus on the things that are most important, like our relationship with God and spending time with family.
As you read this, I want to encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed to remember that God is your source of strength. Take a step back and rest in the strength of the Lord. Ask Him to restore and refresh your soul. Ask God for wisdom and guidance and to help you reprioritize so that every step you take, every commitment and every decision you make is approved by Him and will bring honor and glory to His name.
Be encouraged!
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary,And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
