Rest for the Weary

The other day we took our dogs for a walk at Buffalo Trace. The big babies love going for walks and get excited when they see us getting the leashes ready. Jake and Memphis hopped into the van and away we drove. When we arrived at the park, the dogs were eager to get out and investigate. We walked around the play area while the kids played for a few minutes. The dogs smelled around every area searching for scents from other animals, people, and food. Then, we walked on the trail for a short time before heading back to the car. While on the trail, the dogs’ excitement began to dwindle and they began to slow down. They were no longer pulling and smelling everything but were walking more beside us. When we were almost back to the car, Memphis our black, lab mix stopped and laid down…right where he was. My daughter tried to call and tug on his leash to encourage him to go, but he was tired (he’s a little overweight). So, he rested a bit and then walked to the van.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like Memphis. I’m in a weary season and a nap on the sidewalk doesn’t seem like a bad idea. I didn’t even know I could be weary for an entire season, but I am. For me, it’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. As you know, all of these pieces are intertwined. Physical exhaustion leads to the others and emotional exhaustion makes it difficult to function and spiritual exhaustion weakens everything, and…you get the point.
You may wonder how I can be worn down with so many good things happening. My daughter and I went on a mission trip in June. This was her first trip and we were blessed and encouraged by those we met on the trip. School will start soon, but while I was off, I’ve enjoyed several relaxing summer weeks. And there are some great opportunities for spiritual growth coming up soon. I am in the planning stages for a women’s retreat and a class for daughters and moms.
Then, there are some struggles. My family is dealing with at least two terribly unjust situations that are just draining. Lots of emotion and helplessness.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one who is weary. So, when we are weary, what can we do? How can we gain the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength we need to not only endure the season, but to also breakthrough it?
1. Follow Memphis’ example and get some rest. We all know the benefits of rest, but we don’t like to step out of regular life activities to take time to rest. Naps aren’t just for dogs and children. Listen to your body. Take a nap, go to bed early or do both.
2. Turn off the TV and social media. Unplugging allows you to rest mentally. For more on this, check out Beth Jones’ article, “Why it’s Important to Schedule more Downtime for Your Brain”. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/why-its-important-schedule-more-downtime-your-brain
3. It’s good to share your emotions. Memphis and Jake let us know how excited they were to go on a walk. They jumped up and their entire bodies wagged. Some of us don’t regularly share our emotions. We think we’re burdening the other person or taking up their time. Sharing feelings is health, connecting and validating. Find a trusted friend and honestly share your excitement, sadness, anger or whatever else you feel.
4. Turn to Jesus with your burdens. When I am weary, Jesus beckons me to come to Him. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Coming to Jesus means that I go to Him in submission. Through prayer, I lay my burdens at His feet and I strive not to keep picking those things back up. My exhaustion is replaced with His strength.
5. Turn your music and heart toward worship. Worship music will allow you to focus on God’s love and redemptive plan for you. Nothing will lift weariness like worshiping your Creator. If you aren’t sure where to start, try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhZhBXhIffc
If your season is weary or it’s just a tiring day, take time to worship and unplug and time to rest and pray!

I think I’ll take a nap now!