This week I hit a wall, a wall of weariness. In a phone call with a friend, I told her how I think that all of the transition and busyness and challenges of last year have finally caught up with me. It seems I'm the type who powers through things, and then wears out and collapses sometime later on. I've had many others comment, "Me, too!" when I've mentioned this. Perhaps this is the way with us women. We know that our family, the people at our jobs, our church, our friends, are counting on us, leaning on us, depending on us, so we try to stay strong for them. Until we just can't. Then what do we do?
Admit it. It's not easy to admit that we can't do it all, that we are aren't Superwoman, that we can't keep carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders without buckling. There comes a time when we have to admit our need, our weakness, and our weariness to God and to those close to us.
Withdraw. While most of the time we hear this word used in a negative context, Jesus Himself would take time to withdraw from the crowd and find a quiet place to pray and communicate with His Father. When you're weary it's easy to lose perspective. Time in God's presence helps to restore and refresh us and to reset our perspective. If you can get away for a day or even overnight, that's wonderful, but if that's not possible, try to take a few hours with your Bible and journal sitting in the park, or some other lovely spot. A long walk on the seashore talking to God and putting my burdens back on His shoulders where they belong is my favorite way to withdraw.
Worship. My husband is graciously planning a few days away for the two of us so we can both withdraw and be refreshed. Until then, I still have things to attend to. Today I had housework and baking to do in preparation for a church function at our house tomorrow. I had my favorite worship album playing on repeat all day long as I worked. My body was busy, but my spirit was being blessed and strengthened even as I worked.
Rest. On our day off, my husband and I usually like to get out and do things. This week, we both knew we needed to rest. We read, we watched old movies, we napped. A day of giving ourselves permission to do nothing, to shut down and just rest, was the smartest thing we've done on our day off in a long time.
I'm so glad Jesus understands our weariness, understands our tendency to carry burdens we aren't built to carry. After all, He is the one Who said these words to us, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 Amplified
still following,
Each/all of these suggestions for dealing with exhaustion are excellent. Sabbath rest - SO essential.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, you are so right! I need to learn to practice Sabbath rest!
DeleteI know this feeling too. I am great at powering through but then when I least expect it, I hit a wall. It is our body's way of saying "enough". Your four pieces of advice above are spot on. I am not very good at any of them but find when I allow myself to withdraw, rest, worship and admit, I am able to restore and regroup. Love your beautiful photo and words friend!
ReplyDeleteIt really is our body's way of saying "enough" isn't it? If only I'd listen before I reach the point of desperation!
DeleteSo proud of you two for resting on your day off! Why is it so hard for us to give ourselves permission to do so? So thankful that you and your husband will be getting some time away to refresh yourselves, Elizabeth! Blessings on your Sabbath!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you too, June!
DeleteI love this, Elizabeth. So often I either forget to withdraw or just let other things push that time away. I am so much more at peace when I take that time away with God each day. It's too easy to just try to take on everything and then crash. How much better to stop, admit we can't do it all and be refreshed in our spirits by having time alone with God. Thanks for this encouraging post!
ReplyDeleteGayl, daily time with Jesus really does help to combat being overwhelmed and weary. It is so much better than trying to push through in our own strength. Thank you, Gayl.
DeleteI know this is what I need right now, but I don't have anyone that's willing to take over so I can get some rest. Unfortunately my husband and kids don't help out. I just have to try and spend some time with God before I go to bed.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great time away, Elizabeth! My old pastor used to say that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap. :)
ReplyDeleteI am going to pin your wise words here to my #ChooseRest board on Pinterest for future reference. Hugs