We met in person and I liked her immediately. She’s fun. She’s deep. She’s a really great listener.

She knows that rest doesn’t always come easy, and it is important to talk about that. We don’t all have the same life.

Meet my friend, Lori Schumaker. I know you’re going to love her. ~ Suzie

 

 

I see the weariness etched on your face.

Shadows lingering under your eyes and a slowness to your every step.

Sometimes you feel the weariness deep in your bones, don’t you? The blanketing fog makes thinking all the more difficult.

I know you want rest. You’re not wearing busyness as an adornment. But life circumstances hinder your options for rest right now.

Sometimes it’s true, rest doesn’t come easy.

I remember when I didn’t know how to find rest and when no one around me seemed to understand. “You need more rest,” they would tell me.

Yet they weren’t in my day-to-day to see what it entailed.

They didn’t know life as a new adoptive mama of a child with significant special needs. I couldn’t wrap my mind around our recently turned upside down world of doctors, therapists, specialists, and hospitals, much less expect others to understand.

It was something I had to learn. A season of preparation for the next leg of the journey. I think God was teaching me to fight for my . .

. . . daughter,

. . . family,

. . .marriage,

and my rest.

I’m not sure of your life situation right now. Maybe it’s caring for a special needs child or an elderly parent. Maybe you are a newly single mom or you are navigating grief.

The possibilities are many and the struggle to find rest is real.

I wish I could tell you it’s as easy as getting away each day for some “you” time while securing eight hours of sleep and maintaining a healthy diet.

Yes, those are beneficial, but they don’t ease the heavy burden of your day-to-day. And friends, I get the reality of your life. Five-hour nights and pizza AGAIN might be your best right now.

How do we find rest when it doesn’t come easy?

1. We fight by leaning into the only One capable of filling our reservoirs.

Dig into His Word. Repeat His promises out loud and claim them one by one. Pray. Worship. Cry out to the Father. Whether it is 5 minutes or 5 hours, He honors our moments and hears our cries.

My presence shall go with you and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14

 2. We lose false guilt.

I learned there are times it is okay to reschedule the appointment in exchange for a moment of quiet. And it’s okay if things get missed, cancelled, or even if they momentarily fall apart. God knows our situation and He is there filling the gaps. He wants us mentally, physically, and spiritually whole.

For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. -1 John 3:20 ESV

We build a support system connecting us with others who have lived or are living a similar life circumstance. Knowing we are not alone breathes hope and life into our hearts.

[bctt tweet=”It’s okay if things get missed, or even if they momentarily fall apart. God knows our situation and He is there filling the gap. #livingfreetogether” username=”suzanneeller”]

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

3. We ask for help.

We were never created to do life without help, so don’t be afraid to ask.

When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”-Exodus 18:14

Friends, your circumstances may not change, but you will. You will learn to give God your moments so He can multiply your rest. It took me awhile, and although I sometimes require ongoing recalibration, I learned and I know you will, too.

For now, I’m praying with and for you as you fight for rest, sweet sister.

Lori

Meet Lori

Lori is an encourager at heart. She has spent her life learning of the hope and victory available when we embrace our identity in Christ. Today, when she isn’t busy being a wife and Mom to her three children, she teaches, ministers, coaches, speaks, and writes to share that hope with others.

Wherever you find yourself today – walking through the difficult, needing to get unstuck to follow your purpose, or simply experiencing a season of beautiful chaos, Lori’s blog found at www.lorischumaker.com is a place where you can get a virtual hug from someone who truly understands.

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Giveaway!

Leave a comment in today’s post to be entered to win this fun giveaway!

  • Embrace a Moment Rest with Starlight by Bethel Music (worship cd)
  • Max Lucado’s Book of Pocket Prayers
  • Healing Solutions’ Lavender Essential Oil