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Are you tired?

Tired of the noise, of being asked a million questions, of playing referee? Are you weary of having a child constantly following you everywhere? Tired of doing tasks you have to turn around and do again—making meals, washing and drying and folding those never-ending loads of laundry? Cleaning a house that immediately gets messy again?

The list for a mom goes on and on.

Yes, we love our husbands and children and home, but we just want a break from it all. We can’t seem to live up to the expectations we have constructed for ourselves, especially in a world where everyone lives their best life online. And we find our hearts crying out, “What about me? This just isn’t what I thought being a wife or mom would look like.” We don’t want to voice our real thoughts and questions, though, fearing others will think we are selfish, that somehow we love our kids less. But that just isn’t true.

Let me encourage you, Sweet Mama. You aren’t the only one who has felt this way. We all feel discouraged, disheartened, and disillusioned sometimes.  And those feelings can get quite intense. We simply get tired. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired.

Sweet Mama, you need to rest.

Moms Need Rest

I know you are busy! But making time to rest can actually be a gift to yourself and your family. You will never be as patient or loving as you desire when you walk in a constant state of exhaustion. And every problem will feel monumental. Fatigue tends to distort reality in our minds.

1. God created us and knows us.

Years ago when we bought a new car, the owner’s manual instructed us to not use the cruise control for a certain number of miles. Instead it said to vary our speed a bit while driving so that we would get the best gas milage later on. That made no sense to me. But, guess what? I don’t design cars. And I obviously didn’t make the one we were driving. So I decided to trust the owner’s manual. Why? Because it was written by the maker of the car—the ones who designed it, the ones who knew how to get the best performance from it.

No one knows you better than the one who created you, the one who designed you.

Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis1:26-27, ESV)

Psalm 139 reveals the wonderful, intimate knowledge God has of us. He searches and knows us—when we sit and rise. He knows our very thoughts. Our words before we speak them. Verses 13-16 continues,

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them. ESV

2. Our Father set an example for us.

In Genesis 2:1-3, we see our Father lead by example,

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. ESV

Do you really think God needed rest? I don’t think so, but He knew we did. And so He set the example, and instructed us to rest, too. Jesus even states, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27

Just as our heavenly Father is our example, we will model for our children what is good for them, too. Do you want to set the example of one who is always tired, overwhelmed, and irritable? Or do you want your children to learn how to live this life in a healthy and intentional way? Choosing what is best over what is popular or even good?

3. He commands us to rest.

Don’t miss the fact that Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man. It is for us, Dear Moms.

Exodus 20:8-11 says,

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work…For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. ESV, Empahsis added

Though we are not under the letter of the law (in other words, all the specific commands) of the Older Testament, we are still to obey the heart of the law. That has never changed. Why? Because our basic physical, emotional, and spiritual needs didn’t change when we believed in Jesus. Like we give our children instructions for their good even when they don’t understand why, God gives us commandments for our good.

The evidence of the importance of rest in our lives makes it pretty clear. Just consider the benefits of being well rested.

When we are rested, we…

  • Are more productive, patient, and calm.
  • Handle stress better.
  • Think more clearly and rationally.
  • Feel more at peace.
  • Have the energy to do all the things God calls us to do.

How to Incorporate Rest Into Your Life

You may be thinking, “Rest sounds great, but it isn’t possible in my life.” Please know, though, our loving Father created rest for us. It is for our good, and because of that, He commanded us to do it. And if he commands something, he provides the way. Sometimes, though we may have to be a bit creative.

1. Be thankful.

Exhaustion isn’t always caused by a lack of sleep. Trials, pain, and even busyness can leave us feeling emotionally and spiritually drained as well. Thankfulness takes the focus off of what is wrong in our lives and reminds us of our blessings. Though we may still be physically tired, thankfulness renews and refreshes our hearts and minds.

2. Trust that God will provide what you need.

After the church at Philippi sent gifts to care for Paul’s needs, Paul thanks them and reminds them, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV) Yes, Paul is probably speaking specifically of financial needs. But the principle remains the same. God provides for our needs.

As a mom you are constantly providing for the needs of others. Your Father does the same for you—He provides. Consider 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (ESV) Will you choose to believe this?

3. Change your mindset.

Cooking meals, doing laundry, cleaning and organizing are all acts of worship when done in service to God and our family. Each task a work of love. When we see the importance in the mundane it doesn’t  feel as exhausting.

So turn on some praise music. Pray as you work. Meditate on Scripture.

When we do these things, we “…present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is [our] spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1, ESV) Instead of being conformed to this world—a world that says serving your family is a waste of your time and talents—you can be transformed by renewing your mind in the midst of your daily tasks (see Romans 12:2).

Create the calm, deeply connected life you crave. Join the Heart-to-Heart Homeschooling community today.

4. Be OK with the less than perfect.

I recently read a question from a new homeschooler to some veteran ones on a Facebook group. She asked, “How did you do it all well? The cooking and cleaning, spending time with your husband, and teaching your children?” My simple answer—I didn’t. Not all of it, at the same time, anyway.

Maybe moms should be trained in the art of juggling, because that is what life really is about. I once heard it described like this: You have to pay attention to the ball that is in the air at that particular time—giving it your full attention. And perhaps that is the key. Being fully where you are in that particular moment in time.

Because of this we have to be  alright with imperfection. Sometimes the kids will eat cereal for supper (or even that unnaturally fluorescent orange mac & cheese we all secretly love). Other times the house will be messy or the laundry will sit on the couch instead of neatly folded and stored away. But sometimes we must choose the best—like building relationship with our children—over the things that can wait. The house will still be messy tomorrow, and someday you may kind of miss the mess.

5. Get to bed at a decent time.

I know sometimes you just want some time to relax after the kids go to bed. But be careful that “just a little” downtime doesn’t turn into such a late night that you start your next day deprived of much needed sleep. Honestly, too often I didn’t do a very good job of that. Then I would be tired and we would get a later start than we needed to leaving me feeling behind the rest of the day.

If you want to get enough rest, you have to make it a priority. Establishing an evening routine can  help.

6. Simplify Your Life.

Choose the best over the good. Meaning your best, not someone else’s. Prayerfully consider service, educational, and ministry opportunities before saying yes. Remember that every time you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to another. Sometimes that other is rest.

You have to know yourself and your children—to understand your limits and your preferences. Does being around other people energize you? Or do you need time alone? If you haven’t ever taken a personality tests, you can take this one for free at 16Personalities.

Meals don’t have to be elaborate to be healthy and good. Your kids don’t have to be involved in every activity offered. You don’t have to do everything you are asked to do. And your house doesn’t have to look like a magazine photo shoot.

You get to choose.

7. Take a Personal Retreat.

Whether it is for a day or, hopefully a weekend, try to get away at least once a year for a personal retreat. Give yourself time to be refreshed and renewed. Leave the TV off and stay away from Social Media so you can truly rest.

During the time you may want to do one or more of the following:

  • Pray, meditate on Scripture, and study His word.
  • Set goals with actionable steps to achieve them—Spiritual, personal, educational, and relational goals.
  • Evaluate: How can I incorporate more things into my life that bring me joy? How can I nurture an atmosphere of rest and joy in our home?
  • What do I want my kids to learn apart from academics? Does the enviroment of our home foster or hinder these things?
  • Do we have enough margin in our lives, or are constantly living at the edge? Do we have time as a family to enjoy one another and build relationships or are we constantly on the go?

8. Ask for help.

If you don’t communicate your needs, how can anyone help you? Talk to your husband, support system, family, or close friends. Swap babysitting if you can’t afford a sitter. Hire someone to help with cleaning or whatever else you need if that is an option. But don’t feel like a failure because you need some help! We were made to live in community. So lean into it.

And don’t neglect going to the One who gives true rest. Make spending time with God a priority—let Him be the very air you breathe. Abide in Him. Connect with Him. Jesus says,

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV)

Dear Mama, you need to rest.

Yes, being a mom can be exhausting at times. And that is a part of life. But there is a difference between falling into bed at night because you were busy doing what God has called you to do and living in a state of overwhelming exhaustion because you didn’t obey Him. Because you chose to “do-life” your way. You can find rest even when you are physically tired.

It is possible.

Course

If you need help in this area, check out Crystal Paine’s course: Say Goodbye to Survival Mode Course: A 7-Day Journey to Break Free From Burnout! (Just click on the image below)!

Her course, “Make Over Your Morning” was literally life-changing for me (and I’m not doing that sales-y thing here. I really believed I wasn’t a morning person for most of my life!).

Create the calm, deeply connected life you crave. Join the Heart-to-Heart Homeschooling community today.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.