“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3v1
You’ve heard it 1,001 times. Set your goals. Work harder. Achieve your dreams. Get fit, eat healthy, take a class, accomplish this, and don’t forget that.
A few months ago I was wrestling. I felt the pull to achieve, sacrifice, work harder, accomplish my goals, and go after my dreams. But I was starting to feel overwhelmed. I was more than exhausted and far from thriving. That’s when I felt His nudge.
“Come talk to Me. See what I have to say about this.”
“Slow down. I GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO FULLY BE IN THE SEASON YOU ARE IN. Give yourself grace. It’s okay not to accomplish and achieve. BE FULLY WHERE I HAVE YOU. Lean into this season. REST.”
Oh the freedom I felt, the relief. To the point of tears, even.
I felt like He asked me to sit down and ask “What do I need to thrive in this season?”
The list was extensive and eye-opening. It included very little working hard and sacrificing to accomplishing all the things. It was more of engaging with Judah, time to sit in quiet, not have to get up early to work, permission not to feel pressure to work out. I’m not saying those are bad. They’re so good! But they just weren’t the season He had me in.
Maybe these are the words you need too.
Maybe the message you actually need, the message that’s actually right for you right now is “slow down, do less.”
Make grace, slow living, and enjoyment your goal. Stop striving for everything else.
Maybe the message you need to hear is actually to tuck into God’s arms and hear His gentle voice, to hear what He’s saying about this season for you and your family.
Maybe it’s “HAVE GRACE WITH YOURSELF.” When you’re exhausted, take a nap. When you’re worn out, don’t push play on the work out video.
Love where you’re at and love who you are.
And here’s the thing, God’s not mad you’re not working harder. He’s not mad you’re not making more sacrifices. He’s not mad you’re not tirelessly pursuing your dreams.
He’s so glad you’re slowing down and taking time to hear Him, to be with Him, TO CARE FOR YOURSELF.
You have to know what you need and what HE says the season is.
The voice that says “Do more! I gave you that gift for a reason!” is not Jesus. The voice that says, “Make more sacrifices! Get more done!” probably VERY likely not Him.
But the voice that speaks in peace, the voice that brings hope and a breath of fresh air, the voice that speaks encouragement and “you’re amazing”… that’s Him. He IS peace. He IS love. So that’s probably what His voice will sound like.
His voice cheers and encourages, loves and sees, IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEART AND WELL BEING THAN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
Absolutely He will challenge us. Absolutely He might whisper “Maybe give up social media? Try not being so distracted.” But it’s always an invitation to something more, something amazing. His words are never condemnation or shame. They ‘re full of peace, love, hope, and GRACE.
We’re such a, go, go, go, do more, achieve much culture.
Maybe what we should actually be doing is slowing down, allowing more grace, “accomplishing less” and enjoying every moment of it.
Sometimes those things (working hard, accomplishing, achieving, sacrifice) are good, absolutely. But you have to know what season *YOU* are in.
Yes, I’m the opposite voice saying stop pushing so hard.
Yes, I’m saying allow yourself more grace.
Rest in the gentleness, the peace, the goodness of God and know that everything will be taken care of.
Listen to His voice rather than just push yourself.
Lower your expectations.
And be perfectly okay to settle into rest.
LET IT SINK IN / TAKE IT DEEPER:
Take one minute and just get quiet. Settle into your seat, take a deep breath and let everything be slow for just a minute.
When you’re ready ask God, “Father, I know you love me and care about me, my family, and our situation. What season am I in? What do I need right now?”
Take note of the things that might first come to mind. Write them down if you want. I always love writing them down, but do what works for you.
Then ask “God, how do you feel about my season?”
You might get a picture of his face gently smiling and full of peace, or maybe you sense the words “not worried,” or maybe a verse comes to mind.
Let Him speak into this season and journey with you. It’s the best way to fully engage and not burn out. He knows exactly where you are and exactly what you and your family need. He’s so good at giving us clues and insight so we can live our best life and be the best version of ourselves.
So much peace and grace to you, friend. May this season bring you joy, hope and refreshment as you settle in to whatever He has for you and your family!
All our love from our home to yours!
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