More Than Just Love: A Devotional for ParentsSample

Rest

If God took a day off, shouldn’t we? If God commanded us to rest, why don’t we? He even promised if we came to Him, He’d give us rest. How can this be? Choosing the path God is calling us to and taking on that heavy workload can’t possibly include rest, right? This seems especially counterintuitive for parents.

It’s true because when we trust in God and do things His way, we’re not doing things alone. We can persevere through the trials we’re facing. Realizing this, we can find rest amid the chaos – amid the war.

We also must find time for rest in between the wars. This might look like tagging out when a spouse comes home from work and walking away for a little bit. It might mean you reach out to a trusted friend or neighbor who can watch your kids so you can take a breather. If you don’t find time for rest, you’ll burn out.

Rest is a biblical principle, so we know the need for it is real. But I also know this is needed from experience.

I can’t remember the last time I was “good” at resting. When it comes to work or our online business, I’m always thinking of the next thing that needs to be done. I like to run and train for endurance races and my least favorite day of the week is rest day.

Your tank only has so much ability to care for others and if you keep emptying it without taking time to refill it, you’ll either get fatigued and need to sit out for a while – or you get burned out and will have to sit out for a long while. This is called compassion fatigue or compassion burnout.

Coming back from it can feel like coming back from the flu. Even after the sickness is gone, it still takes a while to replenish your body. Then after you’ve refueled, you aren’t at full strength for a long time and can easily slip back if you’re not careful.

I don’t want this for you. Don’t try to be a hero. Don’t think you’re more spiritual by not taking a break. You’re a hero just for committing to what God has called you to. This is a spiritual discipline you shouldn’t sacrifice.

On paper, build out a “non-negotiable” rest plan. I use quotes because real life can change any plans, but work out how you will handle tagging out in crisis moments and building in breaks into your life.

This isn’t about taking the easy road or avoiding responsibilities. This is about keeping yourself and your relationships healthy so you can be on the journey for the long haul!

Daily Challenge: Discuss this list with your spouse/partner. If you're single, discuss with your most trusted, reliable friend or family member who is part of your support system. Through those discussions, refine your list, save it or even frame it. Put it somewhere you'll see it regularly as a reminder of your need to rest, as well as how you plan to make that happen.