Busyness

Awhile back my friend Olivia posted this Portlandia clip on her blog, and while it's obviously ridiculous, there are times when I feel like I can totally relate to this. I'm sure I'm not the only one (please tell me I'm not the only one) who has moments similar to this and has wanted to just chuck my phone out a window so I don't have to respond to one more thing.

On top of social media overload, lately my life has felt pretty overwhelming. Weird for an unemployed person right? I honestly don't know how it happens, but somehow my weekly calendar quickly fills up with (mostly fun and great) appointments, getaways, meetings, commitments, coffee dates and before I know it I am exhausted. I feel like I can't do the simple everyday things I need to get done or find time to sit down and be there for the people I care about. I hate that. So I have really been thinking and praying and asking what it might look like to slow down and not be running at 100 miles per minute.

Then this weekend happened. Our church held healing services and while I was praying for people at some of them, I heard God give me the verses from Matthew 11:28-30 to pray over people:

"Come to me, all you 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."

That day I had time to rest and get caught up on things and I felt like my whole body was taking a deep breath. It wasn't until Monday that I realized that verse was meant for me too. His plan isn't for me to run myself into a stress tornado, even if every activity I'm doing is something "good." I'm not supposed to feel burdened and weighed down and frantic. Nothing helpful comes out of a person like that. So after two days of slowing down and feeling like I finally had some time for myself, I feel so much more at peace, and at rest, and recharged. I did things that I knew would bring me joy and committed to being intentional about putting them into practice more often. Here were some of them:

• Take a long walk. This is my time to unwind and be still with my thoughts and when I skip a day I always notice a difference.
• Get enough sleep. I know that my body needs 8hrs to feel rested.
• Create. I haven't had any time to sit down and finish one of my DIY crafts so carving out a couple hours to do something that was crafty and beautiful totally energized my soul.
• Be honest. With yourself and with your friends. Figure out if driving across town to see a friend when you have tons of things to do at home is worth it and be ok with saying no to some things. 
• Check things off your To Do list. That might not sound relaxing, but for me, when my room is cluttered and there are items looming over my head that I have to complete, I can't rest. So setting aside an hour or two to knock those items off can make a huge difference.
• Allow a day of rest in your week. I'm pretty sure God knew what He was doing when He told us to take a Sabbath once a week. Intentionally keep a day free to kick back and unwind.
• Give yourself grace. You're never going to be able to do everything you want to do, see everyone you want to see, and accomplish everything you need to accomplish. That's just life. And beating yourself up about it or heaping on the guilt will certainly not help. So remember that it's ok to care for yourself otherwise you will never be able to care for others.

Ok friends, I think that's it. My prayer for you is that you will find time to rest in the midst of this crazy, fast-paced life we live in. Find rest for your souls, and enjoy a burden that is easy and light.

From my heart,

Sara B