Yesterday after we got home from church I was hit with some sort of weird stomach bug, which wiped me out for the rest of the day. I ended up sleeping for three and a half hours, and Jake took care of the kids after they woke up from their naps. After a low key evening, lots of snuggles with my babies, and a good night’s sleep, I felt much better today.
It’s amazing how a little extra rest can rejuvenate the body. One of the things I read in Crazy Busy was the importance of remembering that we are finite beings with limited energy. The Lord designed us to need sleep and we can’t operate without it. When we try to go on minimal sleep, we aren’t as effective for Him.
It’s pretty amazing, actually. God wants us to take care of ourselves so we can serve Him and others to our fullest ability. But for whatever reason, oftentimes especially as moms, I think we are the last ones to remember this. We want to take care of everybody else first, and eventually it catches up with us. It does for me at least. When I don’t get enough sleep or am emotionally exhausted, as hard as I try to serve my family, I don’t end up treating them with as much grace and patience as I’d like to. We need rest in order to be effective.
So, to those of you who are weary…please do yourself and the Lord a favor, and find time to rest under the shelter of His wing. Take a nap or go to bed early, even if you have heaps of work to do. Ask someone to watch your kids if you have to. Listen to your body and your soul. I promise, you’ll be able to tackle whatever is in front of you much more effectively when your body is well-rested.
Lord, thank you for a restful Sunday. Father, I am burdened for other moms and women out there tonight who are exhausted, and need a break. Lord I pray that you would provide them with an opportunity to rest. Give them peace knowing that it is okay to take care of themselves so they can serve you more effectively.
Love,
Amber
*This post is part of a 31 Day Challenge to write about Seeing God in Ordinary Moments. Visit my landing page here for links to all the posts.
P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!
