What do you do when all you’ve done for weeks and months is work and strive?
That’s the question I’m asking myself today.
This past weekend was the first time in a very long time when my family didn’t have a list of no less than 30 chores to complete. Preparing our home for new owners has consumed nearly every free moment for so long that it felt somewhat eerie to not have something pressing to do on a Saturday. My guys spent a big chunk of the day chilling in their favorite zone playing video games together. Me? Of course there were windows to clean. There always are. I’m beginning to wonder if I’m chemically addicted to Windex fumes.
To be honest, I’ve never been very good at allowing myself free time. My favorite hobby (scrapbooking) is my favorite because it’s extremely productive. At the end of a weekend of cropping and creating I usually have something wonderful to show for the time spent. As a mom, there are very few other places in my life where I can see the fruit of my labor like that.
After making sure that every window sparkled I decided to allow myself some time to make some cards, but only because my son needed one for a birthday party.
So now what?
This morning I found the answer to my question in a devotional by Beth Moore. Well, God really answered the question. Beth just helped me find it.
Cease striving and know that I am God-Psalm 46:10 NASB
She expanded by writing Yep. Be still and know it. Don’t default into your past. Don’t jump the gun for your future. Just behold and know. Instructions will come when the time is right. In the meantime, just be–even though being is so much harder than doing. (John 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple)
Maybe you could use a reminder today that it’s OK to allow for a little rest in your life. Maybe you’re not even sure what that looks like. If Windex is involved it might not be rest. I’m just sayin’.
Let’s take a deep breath together and just be…even if it’s only for thirty seconds.
Do you have a hobby or something that helps you relax? I’d love to know.