On Rest
Welcome back, thanks for popping over to the blog. I hope this week is going so well and that this little piece encourages you.
Today I’m writing about rest, not because I’m an expert – trust me, I’m not – mostly I’m writing about it because I’m tired. Not the kind of tired that more sleep can fix, but like I should probably go to bed earlier, too. And I guess I wondered if maybe you’re feeling tired too?
Ironically, I put the verse Matthew 11:28 on my letterboard during lockdown in 2020. I was worn the heck out, like a lot of us were, and I just never changed my letterboard. You know what else, I also have felt perpetually tired since.
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
There is a lot to unpack in these few verses. I don’t know if you’re like me, but for some reason I think I have endless capacity to say yes to things - work projects, friend hangouts, volunteering, family things, the list could go on. Instead of laying down all the things, I pile more on and think that is going to fix it. A truly brilliant plan, I know.
About a week ago, I could feel myself crumbling. I had a jam packed weekend and for 3 days straight, I couldn’t stop crying. It wasn’t because anything was going massively wrong, but I was so tired and burnt out. My emotions were going haywire. Not to mention, it was that time of the month so IYKYK. I was trying to do everything myself, I had overcommitted and everything just felt heavy.
Being a classic Enegram three, I love to say yes to things. I love to make things happen, hit milestones, climb the next mountain, etc. If I don’t have a full calendar or a full to-do list, I guess I feel like I’m not doing enough, whatever enough means. I find it really hard to slow down and hard to put limits on my schedule. I wish I could tie this up with a little bow and say here’s a 10-step plan to master resting and stop hustle-culture, but that’s just not a lesson I’ve learned so far. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is a tendency I’m going to have to fight my whole life, but that’s why I need a savior who prioritizes rest for me.
So while life matters a great deal, checking off the to-do list of life really doesn’t, and that’s the most joyous part. We get to accept the offer of rest, of Shalom that is a respite from all the busyness around us. When we bring our burdens, heaviness, and chaotic parts of life to the Lord, we get to lay it all out. We get to say what’s hard, we get to leave the to-do’s and laws of the world behind, and simply follow Jesus. As one commentary on Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Such is the wonder of the divine offer” (Guthrie et al., 831).
So I wonder, what are you doing to rest? Are you tired from the weight of life and carrying it by yourself? Are you grieving the circumstances you are in? Are you feeling full and in need of some space? How are you trying to fill your cup? Is it in doing more? Girl, I’m here with you, and I’ve learned you run out of steam sooner than you think, trust me.
If you’re into reading, may I suggest The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer? It’s fabulous and talks all about sabbath and rest. If you don’t like reading don’t worry, there is also a podcast, picture me doing praise hands, lol.
Love you friend, and praying we all get some rest here soon.
xo, Cait
Guthrie, D., Motyer, J. A., Stibbs, A. M., & Wiseman, D. J. (1970). Matthew 11:28-30. In The new bible commentary revised ; edited by D. Guthrie and J.A. Motyer ; consulting editors: A.m. STIBBS, D.J. Wiseman (p. 831). essay, The Inter-varsity Press.
