5 Ways to Make Time for Rest

By: Jenifer Metzger

Let us, then, make every effort to

enter that rest, so that no one will fall

into the same pattern of disobedience.

Hebrews 4:11 CSB

We live in a time where life is constantly on the go. It doesn't matter what season of life we are in, we are busy. Sometimes I look at my life now as a mostly empty nester and wonder how I accomplished all I have to do with four small kids.

With meals to cook, laundry to wash and dry and put away, dishes to do, floors to sweep, lawns to mow, kids to care for, school activities, sports practices and games, church attendance, church ministries, work, deadlines to meet, phone calls to make, and more, our day to day responsibilities have our head spinning. No wonder we live in a world full of exhausted, overwhelmed, and anxious people!

We prioritize so much of our life, except rest.

Rest is important -it's important to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. God didn't intend for us to constantly be on the go, He knew rest was vital to us. It even tells us in Genesis 2:2 that after "God had completed His work that He had done," He rested. God didn't rest because He was tired and wore out. He rested to show us the importance of rest.

Here are five ways to make time for rest.

Set aside at least one evening a week for rest. This is something my husband and I have always tried to do, even when our kids were younger and we were in the thick of sports. Set aside one evening a week, more if you can, where there are no activities pulling at you. No sporting events, no dinners to attend to, no work, nothing. Once your daily activities -work, school, household duties, etc- are done, turn the TV off, put the phones away, and relax. Whether it is sitting on the deck and chatting -this is mine and my husband's favorite thing, going for a walk, reading a book, playing a family board game, working on a hobby, or just sitting on the couch talking as a family, just rest. This is also a great night to make sure you get to bed on time, early even.

Give yourself fifteen minutes a day for rest. Each day take just a little time to breathe. Slow your heart and mind from all that is going on and rest. For you, it may be that you get up fifteen minutes early to enjoy your coffee on the porch in silence before the busy day starts. Or maybe for you it is better to take some time in the evening to unwind after the busy day. Maybe when your husband gets home from work you give him fifteen minutes to catch his breathe before you bombard him with questions or conversation and after he gives you fifteen minutes. This short time to breathe can make a world of difference.

Find something you enjoy to do and do it. We work so hard at what has to be done, but what about the things we enjoy and want to do? Maybe you used to paint or sew. Maybe you loved reading. Maybe running is your thing. What is that thing you really enjoy doing? That thing that relaxes you and brings a smile to your face. You probably won't have time to do it every day, maybe not even every single week, but pick up that hobby again.

Be okay with saying no. Saying no is hard. We want to say yes to all those things our kids enjoy and want to try their hand at. We want to say yes to the dinner invites. We want to do all the seasonal activities. We want to do all the things! But it's okay to say no. It's okay to limit your kids' activities. It's okay to miss the neighborhood block party. It's okay to tell a friend you need reschedule coffee. It's okay to say no when you need margin.

Abide in Christ. The most important way to find rest is to abide in Christ. To be intentional with reading the Bible. With continually praying. With sitting still in His presence. With worshiping Him. Never let busyness get in the way of time with God. Give your burdens and pain to God and let His rest wash over you. The Bible tells us to give it all to Him and we will find rest.

Come to Me, all of you who are weary

and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from

Me, because I am lowly 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 CSB

Sister, give yourself permission to rest. In fact, be intentional with carving out time to rest. You need it and your family needs it for you.

Discussion:
1. Is resting hard for you? If so, why do you think that is?
2. What is one way you rest and relax?