Rest for the Weary
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
Although we try, it’s hard to experience joy when we’re weary. We long for a meaningful Christmas but sometimes get so caught up in the doing that we putter out of steam—The Little Engine That Could Not.
Weariness slammed me just after Thanksgiving this year as life filled with even more opportunities to go, see, taste, do, and serve. An unexpected dental procedure took me out for a week and a five-day trip to Minnesota took me away from home.
I didn’t plan to take a break from writing and social media, but I couldn’t find space to write. Turns out it was the right (and godly) thing to do. After getting over the guilt of failure, I found peace. I enjoyed more time with family, in particular my growing-too-fast grandchildren. Hungry to hear from God, I paid closer attention to worship services and heeded my advent reading. I experienced stronger communion with our Savior as He covered me with His feathers while under His wings, I took refuge (Psalm 91:4).
Ironically, much of my writing and posting in 2023 centered on the theme of rest, but I wasn’t applying it to my own life.
Here’s just one meme I posted without realizing it was a message to myself (borrowed from Creative Pauses Facebook Page).
I hope you were successful with finding rest this holiday season. If not, let’s resolve to seek healthy rest throughout 2024!
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Thank you, Candyce, for this reminder to rest. Blessings to you for a wonderful year ahead!
I escaped from social media and writing for two weeks during the holidays. It was a much needed respite and I feel much more rested and at peace. I’ll be gearing up for a book launch in the spring and I’m already dreading the stress and busy schedule. Thank you for this inspiring message about rest. I hope to gather your wisdom with me into the spring. I hope and pray you are feeling better and you were able to rest over the break. Wishing you a blessed and happy 2024.
Thank you Katherine. Taking a break during December is a very wise move, and I’m already planning to take an intentional break during this time next year. I am feeling rested and refreshed although not all the way back.
Congratulations and best wishes on your new book launch. I’ll help all I can!
Blessings!
I totally understand, Candyce. I also took a break and promised myself I wouldn’t feel guilty about it. Both my sons were home for Christmas and it was great to have all of us together. I enjoyed Christmas and our time. We do need these restful breaks so we can recharge and fulfill our calling. Happy New Year!
Time with family is certainly a time to put all else aside and be totally present—in mind, body, and spirit. Happy New Year to you, Barbara.
“Feel the fullness of the emptiness. … Time does not need to be filled.” How true. Like you, I feel God waiting for us in the emptiness, ready to fill us with Himself. Isn’t that just like Him, to do things in an upside-down kind of way? I wish you a very Happy and Restful New Year.
Beautifully expressed, my friend. And just when we most need Him. The God of surprises.
Thanks, Terri. May January 1 be the beginning of a wonderful year for you!