We talk lots about self-care these days, especially during the month of January, when it’s customary to make resolutions that we may (or may not) adhere to throughout the year. For many, self-care includes: drinking enough water, bubble baths, getting our daily steps in, and setting aside time in the mornings to reflect. And while those intentions are good and noble and all the things, they don’t always reach the place where the real exhaustion lies. Because some weariness simply can’t be cured by restocking our energy. It can only be cured through rest.
Jesus didn’t say, “Come to me, all who are weary, and I’ll teach you better boundaries or more self-care modalities.”
He said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
That kind of rest is different.
Self-care often requires more productivity and more things to check off our never-ending to-do lists (at least it does for me).
Rest care asks, Who can wrap me in pure love when I can’t accomplish one more thing?
Rest care is an invitation to stop micromanaging, to cease striving, and to completely lay down our agendas for a moment or two.
Rest care is a holy surrender.
It’s choosing to come to the end of ourselves and our lists and the expectations of others and simply be present, weary, and empty-handed with only our hearts to offer. Rest isn’t something we earn after all that we accomplish. It is a gift that we receive.
Jesus says, Come to me.
If you’re weary today, listen to that still small voice and stop. Simply stop and rest. Surrender to the reality that the work will never be finished, and that’s ok. Surrender to the truth that you matter. Surrender to rest with your Savior.
Here are some practical ways to experience rest care:
In the spirit of rest, Ryan and I recently enjoyed some time away in Mexico, just the two of us, and it was a lovely time of rest (mostly). The big kids took care of the younger ones back at home, so there was a bit of a Lord of the Flies situation that I was micromanaging from afar, so… that wasn’t super restful! However, I was also able to concentrate on writing my next book, which is already due in only a few months!
If you enjoyed my first book, Amazon has it listed for only $11.90 right now! That’s a great price! With National Caregiver’s Day quickly arriving (FEB 20), buy one for yourself and one for another caregiver going through a challenging time. They’ll be deeply grateful.
P.S. If you’ve read the book, I would be so grateful if you’d leave a review on Amazon.
A couple of other products that I currently love include: this handy, dandy, super cheap PEDOMETER for only $12.98! This is such a great product that DOES help me get my steps in, and it charges as a USB, so no need for batteries. I’m also loving these VELCRO HAIR ROLLERS, which have apparently come back in style. Not only do they require less heat (so less heat damage), but they also provide a massive amount of volume to my very thin hair. That’s all I have for the month!
See you soon!
xoxo
Jess
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and it is one I will reread many times. If you are ready to truly learn to live like Christ, purchase this book. It will change your life.
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