Woman to Woman: Rest, My Friend

We are approaching the downhill race as we near the end of the year. Like a bicycle picks up speed on a decline, life picks up speed in these last weeks.

With the holidays and all the craziness that they bring and then trying to finish any goals or plans we made for the year, we can often be left feeling like our head is spinning. We are told to make the most of the holidays. Do it all. Don't miss a party! When you think you're done shopping, no, you need more! Decorate until your house looks like the North Pole! Send Christmas cards to everyone you know! Keep yourself so busy you don't even get to truly enjoy the season!

Then we are told to finish every goal we set for the year. All the goals we are behind on, all the ones we forgot about. Well, you only have a few weeks left so get busy! Finish strong!

By the time December 31st arrives, we are worn to the bone. So I have one question. Why? Why do we stress ourselves out? Why do we push our minds, bodies, and emotions to the brink?

What if, instead of running ourselves and our families ragged, we slow down. We pause. We rest. What if we finish 2025 rested?

Now, I am not talking about being rested from the hustle and bustle, we'll chat more about that in a minute. I am talking about being rested in God. Tim Tebow says, "Biblical rest isn't about resting from things, but resting in Jesus."

Come to me, all of you who are weary

and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 CSB

Jesus doesn't tell us to not do anything. He doesn't tell us to kick our feet up and not put in the work. In fact, if He has called us to it, we need to do the work for it. And the holidays are a beautiful time to enjoy and connect with others. But He does tell us to rest in Him.

So how do we rest in Jesus while still doing all the things?

Make it a priority each day to spend time with God. It is so easy to get busy that our time with God gets pushed aside. Be intentional with sitting down in the quiet to read your Bible and pray each and every day. If you are too busy to spend time with God, you are too busy. Something has to change.

Make sure Jesus is the center and reason for your Christmas celebrating. Read through the Christmas story from the Bible as a family; watch movies about the true meaning of Christmas, Angel Studios and PureFlix have great options; instead of Elf on a Shelf try Finding Jesus; don't miss church, in fact if your church has a Christmas Eve or even Christmas morning service, be sure to attend.

We can rest in Jesus and end the year physically and mentally at rest, while still having enjoyed the holidays to the fullest. Sometimes we just need to prioritize and adjust. Instead of attending all the holiday parties, enjoy a quiet dinner with family or friends or drive around in jammies with cookies and look at Christmas lights. Instead of trying to finish that goal you set aside in March, make one small step toward the goal and add the rest to next year. We don't have to do everything -whether holiday related or goal related.

Friend, rest is important. We were not created to constantly be on the go like the little battery powered bunny. Yet, finding rest in Jesus is vital.

Discussion:
1. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
2. What is one way you can commit to prioritizing resting in Jesus this holiday season?