All throughout the holiday break I tried to relax but couldn’t. My nerves stood alert and I snuck around the house poised like a cat ready to pounce, waiting, just waiting. Because even though we were supposed to be resting and eating cookies and resting some more, I felt it like a prickle on my skin—the impending STUFF TO DO. The holidays were my buffer. But now they’re gone and IT is here.
My busiest season ever.
This month begins the biggest whirlwind in my writing ministry yet. My second book hits shelves April 3—I cannot wait for you to read it—while at the same time I’m blocking out as many days as I can to write the manuscript for book number three, due next summer. I love writing, of course, for lots of reasons not least of which is an excuse to wear slippers all day; however, God is also pushing me beyond my little desk and placing me in front of real women at more speaking engagements booked between now and June than I can count on two hands.
That might be a day in the life for Beth Moore, but for me, it’s a new kind of crazy.
And I’m tired.
So a few days ago, I did something drastic.
I took a nap.
What??? With all that STUFF to do? How could a woman be so lazy and indulgent?
Oh yes. And not only have I started taking naps, but I also read—novels!!—and I listen to music and take breaks to talk to my friends on the phone. I play board games with my children and make mac and cheese in my Instant Pot. And when the day is done at last, I reserve one precious hour each night, maybe even two, to snuggle in bed next to my husband watching Netflix with our puppy on my lap. And sometimes I even drink tea. Or eat chocolate!! In bed! Peanut M&Ms, for the love!!!
Why? Because I am done believing the lie that exhaustion is the badge of a productive woman. As if we can measure who is more successful, more important, or more purposeful according to the fewest hours of sleep or who’s best at stoically depriving herself of simple blessings. (Like Peanut M&Ms, did I say that already?)
Busy people get more done, perhaps. I’ve heard that a hundred times.
But did they enjoy doing it?
Worse yet—what did they miss in the process?
Rest is not indulgent. It’s fuel. It’s necessary. Without it we sputter and croak. But with a full tank we can keep moving forward and stop to take in the scenery from time to time. I want to write and speak and blog well, but more importantly I want to live well so I have something to write about in the first place.
What about you?
Are you exhausted, trying to do all the things? Are you listening to the people who tell you working hard means working more than humanly possible?
Do you actually admire anyone who attempts such a thing?
I used to.
But no more.
Because that’s just plain nuts.
And Jesus has a different idea.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
Let’s work hard at the things we’re called to do, by all means, “as working for the Lord and not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). But let’s rest, too. Take a coffee break. Pop a handful of snacks. Pray. Life is so much more than deadlines and accolades. Remind me of that come April, will you? I’ll be right here meanwhile… writing and napping and cheering us on.
Blessings,
Becky
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