Hey Friends –
Let’s just state the obvious — I am not the poster child for experiencing a balanced, peaceful, rest-filled life.
Ginger & Rocky
As a busy wife and mom with four kids, a full-time job, and two crazy dogs—my pace is not perfect.
We all know that.
But God in His amazing sovereignty — and unique sense of humor — keeps providing opportunities for me to teach on the rest and refreshment of God. (I think He knows how to best get through my thick skull.)
The more I study the rhythm and rest of God, the more I want it in my life. Like right now.
How about for you?
Anybody weary? Or feeling dangerously close to empty today?
Thankfully Jesus offers rest for our weary souls, and we don’t have to pretend we have it all together.
Especially when we don’t.
Christ offers a better, rest-filled, life-giving way. 
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 AMP
I don’t know about you, but I want to accept Christ’s offer to ease, relieve and refresh my soul.
For the past few months I’ve been extremely intentional about living a pace of purpose, and experiencing the rest and rhythm of God. Whereas I’m definitely still learning, the peace and joy I’ve encountered has been amazing. Thank You, God.
If you are in need of a “fill up” today, here’s what I would encourage you to do:
1. STOP
Pay attention to the symptoms —weariness, short temperedness, frazzledness, intense cravings, etc..— and just stop. We can’t pour out and get filled up at the same time, right?
Now this may mean you need to let something go, that’s ok. Sometimes you just need to admit you need a break.
Note: by “something,” I’m not referring to letting your husband or children. :/
I’m suggesting maybe you buy the cookies instead of bake them, serve PB&J for dinner (throw down a blanket and announce it’s an “indoor picnic day”) or save sweeping for tomorrow. The dust will still be there. Promise.
2. Spend time with Jesus
We know it’s the right thing to do, right??…
View from my “chair”
But how do we carve out time with Jesus in the midst of our everyday, full lives?
- This morning I took the day off of work, and stayed in my jammies and “chair” until 11:30 AM. I didn’t get much work done, but it’s what my weary soul needed. I was a new woman by the time my kids came home from school.
- Sometimes when my husband John comes home, I literally run out the door with my Bible and make a beeline for the local bookstore.
- Or sometimes I break my “screen-free school day” rules and let the kids watch Youtube while I immerse myself in God’s Word. Just being honest here….sorry.
- One summer (when I had 3 kids in diapers) I set my stove timer to beep every hour. Everytime my stove beeped, I’d beg God for strength and grace for the day. Desperate times call for desperate measures – but it worked!
To fill back up when our tank is empty, we must spend time with Jesus in prayer, digging into the Word….and yes, sometimes it takes creativity!
3. Examine Your Schedule/Priorities/To-Do List
Typcially when I hit empty, I’ve allowed my schedule —and my email inbox— to control me, rather than for me to take control of my schedule and responsibilities.
I now ask myself questions such as…
- Am I using my new favorite word “or,” or have I overextended myself?
- Are my priorities in order?
- Does something need to go from my schedule?
- Is it time for my phone/iPad/computer to be powered off?
I’ve been practicing the art of saying “no” to good things, so I can say “yes” to God’s best for me.
4. Pay attention to Self Care
How do you take care of YOU, friend?
When I’m nearing “empty,” I ask myself —
- Am I eating well?
- Going to be on time?
- Drinking water?
- Getting exercise?
- Playing?
I am learning that self care is crucial —and not selfish—but critical to living as the rest-full, joy-filled woman God has created me to be.
Say this aloud with me: Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is not selfish.
So how about for you, friend?
How do you fill up when you are starting to feel empty? Weary? Discouraged from life’s demands? How do you incorporate self-care into your routine. I’d love to hear from you!
May we learn from one another and have tips & techniques ready for when our “tank” starts heading towards “low fuel!”
Run down does not need to be our routine!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God’s richest, fullest blessings to you!
P.S. If you have a moment, allow this Kari Jobe song to minister to you!
