Mother's Day Rest

by Victoria Duerstock

 I recently had the opportunity to speak to mothers and daughters who had gathered for an afternoon tea. It was a super sweet occasion and not only fun for the little girls to drink from the fancy cups, but also for the moms and grandmothers, aunts, etc. to just enjoy a time away from the normal hectic Saturday afternoon activities.  As mothers, it’s important to take some time to step away because it’s so easy to stay stuck in the cycle of routine.

I enjoyed sharing with the ladies some of what the Lord had been teaching me as we made some comparisons between our spiritual lives and making a good cup of tea.  Perhaps the funniest part of the event was that I had brought one of my favorite mugs from home – “wake up and be awesome” and made sure it was good and dirty.

(referencing Matthew 23:25, 26 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.)

But as I got done singing with my daughter, I turned my lapel mic on and turned off the other equipment, grabbed my notes to take to the stand, and looked everywhere for my mug.  It was gone!  I assume someone thought the worst about my dirty mug and thought it was in the wrong place.  I had no visual aid…ha!  I still can’t find that mug either…crazy!

I wanted to encourage these women with a focus on our spiritual growth.  When we are growing, we are abiding and allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way.  The fruit of the Spirit can then be identified in our lives.

As we approach Mother’s Day this weekend, I have been continuing to think about these things.  When I start to get short tempered with my family, or impatient with everyone, I have learned that I need to take a step back and analyze what is really going on. If after assessing I know that I have been consistent in my quiet time and obeying the leading of the spirit, I have to continue to dig deep.  Many times, I have found it’s as simple as not getting enough rest.  

I’d like to encourage you moms, grandmas, aunts and frankly any woman to take the time to rest.  As nurturers we find it within our nature to care for others before we care for ourselves.  This includes rest, and other care many times – even doctor’s appointments, dental cleanings, and everything in between.  While it is imperative that we live our lives “esteeming others better than ourselves,” we still have to care for the temple that’s been given to us. 

Whether you have the need for physical rest, or mental/emotional rest, I find these verses such a source of comfort –

Matthew 11:28-30 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.

This weekend as we celebrate motherhood, ours and others, I pray that you will rest in these promises.  Leave your weariness, your burdens and your heartaches in the hands of the Lord who knows and cares and promises you rest. 

Happy Mother’s Day to each of you!  I know there can be sadness wrapped up in these holidays as well, or sorrow because of difficult memories this holiday brings.  If that’s the case for you, I pray you’ll find comfort as well from your Father.  He is the God of all comfort!

II Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

If you are looking for some additional resources this Mother’s Day, I’d love to share with you a few free resources that you might enjoy.

Coloring Pages – designed for your children with Mother’s Day in mind. Click here for the link to the pages, when you click the images they will give you the ability to download the free PDF file that you can print.

Bible Study on Joy – download your free study here Choose Joy!

We will be digging into this study in Facebook Live sessions at the Encouraging Women Today Facebook page each Monday at 4pm.  Come join me here!

What’s in Your Cup – study on Christian Living - just click here for the download!