Rest a While

While caring for others, it’s difficult—seemingly impossible, sometimes—to sit down and put our feet up for a bit. What happens, though, if that precious moment of rest does come? Do we take it? Or do we let it slip through our fingers, feeling that “taking a break” isn’t something we should do?

Caregiving stresses our physical and emotional well-being. Even when our service is going smoothly, we’re always aware of the weight of responsibility we’re under. That’s why it’s so important to stop at those “rest areas” whenever they appear—without feeling guilty.

God understands that we can’t just keep going and going. Jesus Himself withdrew for periods of rest and prayer, and He encouraged His disciples to do the same. Stopping to “refuel” is nothing to be ashamed of. Jesus took those opportunities, and we should do the same.

Rather than pushing aside an offered rest, let’s accept those pauses that God sends as the blessings they truly are. When He gives you a moment of rest, don’t fight Him. Just gratefully say, “Thank you, Lord. This is just what I needed.”