I saw a post recently circulating on my feed about the busyness and burdens of life. The never-ending to-dos, the endless demands, and the insane hours of work, school, practices, chores, etc. I, too, feel overwhelmed by all of our obligations at times.
It made me sad to see how many women felt seen, validated, and understood by that post. Many commented, shared, and added in their own struggle of being stretched too thin.
Can I share a statement that steps on my own toes?
Burnout is not inevitable, it is preventable…
We don’t HAVE to live this way, we allow ourselves to live this way.
I had to sit with this statement for a while.
I ran through my own seasons of struggle.
I reflected on the way I spend my days.
I tallied the time it took me to do various things.
I recognized I played a large role in allowing myself to run dry, live burdened, and ignore the abundant life He offers in John 10. I remembered that it’s not supposed to be this way. I realized a few truths that shaped the changes I needed to make:
1. We were NOT called to do it all, but simply to do our all for Him.
Even Jesus didn’t do it all. What are you currently doing out of obligation or the need to keep up? Do you really HAVE to do it or are you choosing to do it?
2. We can say no…without explanation.
No to filling our schedules. No to rushing for no reason. Just no.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. A well-used no can often lead to your best…and good rest.
3. We are commanded to rest.
Real rest, not couch rotting. Rest that allows us to give our best. Rest that includes and honors God. Rest that energizes and empowers.
4. We do have some control.
While God is in control of life, we make daily decisions that dictate how we care for that life. We get to choose how we care for that life. He orders our steps, but we choose to obey each day. He made a way, but we have to choose that narrow, counter-cultural, abundant way.
I recognize that some seasons are busier and feel burdensome due to life’s circumstances, but I also realize that we serve a God of abundance and grace. A God who came and made a way. A God who has new mercies for every day. A God who calls us to make the most of our beautiful, abundant lives.
Here’s to slowing down, saying no, and living His way every day, my friend 🫶🏼
Rays of Sunshine inc 