A prayer to try something soft and not difficult in the season of your life
Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“To acquire wisdom is to love ourselves. Those who value understanding will flourish.” Proverbs 19:8
Read or listen to the following:
Over a decade ago, I left a strong, advantageous career with a fast pace and powerful to stay home with two girls. If I were to try and make it all work, I lied, “I can get everything.” I was physically exhausted, mentally drained, mentally exhausted. I knew God was calling me out of my work. Still, it was one of the most difficult things, but one of the best decisions for our family.
As my girls got older, I took on strange jobs and worked a few hours everywhere, but nothing dramatically changed our schedules or affected our daily lives. But when I heard women who worked full-time shared their struggles, worked 40 hours a week, attending the ballpark, serving in church, caring for themselves, and caring for everything else, I couldn’t help but feel the same guilt of not feeling the stress of being. That led me to consider returning to work full time. The search was short-lived. After talking to my husband and considering our family’s goals, the financial benefits didn’t outweigh the extra stress on our family.
Rather than thanking us for being home, we felt guilty about being in a position where we were able to live a more relaxed lifestyle. I began to convince myself that something was wrong, as I was not overwhelmed, relatively stress-free, sleep soundly, and don’t have to constantly make sacrifices for my work or my family. I called a friend and shared how I felt like I wasn’t measuring or doing enough.
“I want my friend Laura to be nice,” she said above me. “Think of the words you use to describe the current season of life. If you’re talking to friends about their lives, would you use those same phrases?” she thrusts out. “I’m not going to be that rude,” I replied quickly. “So why do you think it’s okay to talk to yourself like that?” she said. Yes, I never thought about it that way.
Why do we carefully choose our words when talking to others?
Why can we see when others need a break or praise them for choosing a rest?
Why compare our situation with others and decide that we are not measuring it?
Proverbs 19:8 teaches us that wise people care about their mental, mental, physical and emotional well-being. They understand and listen to what their body and soul needs to flourish, not just survive. I am thinking about Jesus’ life. He had an endless “to-do” list, but was relaxed. In the middle of the chaos he often spent time resting, praying, and being with the Lord. He was a god in human form and could have easily killed his task list. Instead, he chose to protect God, stay with the people, and be present in all people rather than do all of it.
We understand that not everyone is in the same situation and that some seasons are busier than others. Nor does we abandon responsibility or suggest that when we become kind to ourselves, our bodies, our souls, we are not waking up our responsibility or that we are perfect for one side. But perhaps you’re feeling the tension of the “American Dream” or overwhelmed by a schedule created because “everyone else was doing it,” or you may be in a stressful situation because you believe “it’s something you should do.”
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we see in the Bible that you cherish rest. After you create the world, you are not necessary, but because you wanted to show your children the blessings of recovery, relaxation and renovation for our bodies, minds and souls. Our lives are busy. Some of it is our work, others are due to the seasons of life. Show if you can prioritize your physical and mental health and change what will help you give margins and room for breath.
Lord, we love you. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says that when we are tired and burdened, we can come to him, and He can give us a rest. We come to you, establish the need to prove or achieve within you, and rest instead. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Photo credit ©istock/getty Images Plus/Daniel de la Hoz
Laura Bailey is an author and biblical teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, embracing eternity here and now, explores how the timeless truths of the Church can help us today live a more peaceful, purposeful and abundant life.
She lives in northern South Carolina with her husband and three young girls. She is the director of the Ministry of Women at her church. Her passion is to teach the Bible to women and equip them to live in an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at the next event or learn more: www.laurarbailey.com Connect via Facebook and Instagram.
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