Any mommas out there feel actual guilt for relaxing or doing something for yourself? I never understood that sensation until I had my baby. I suddenly had SO MUCH to do, and not enough time or hands to do it. But I also found out very quickly that never taking a break didn’t help either. Exhausted and spread too thin, we begin to give less and less devotion to the areas in life we once gave so much attention and care to.
I was having a hard time convincing myself to pump the breaks in other areas of life in order to thrive in taking care of my daughter. It almost seemed contradictory that the busiest time of my life was the time I was supposed to slow down. But this young child season of life is so short and I wanted so badly to enjoy it rather than wish all my time away. Psalms 127:2(MSG), “It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” This verse is my jam. It was music to my ears. I could hear God say, “Jordan, take the break.” Enjoy the obligation to slow down.
God sees our busy lives. Covering our schedules with grace and more grace is His hobby. The verse actually says He enjoys giving rest. I found that verse 3 got even more specific to my situation, “Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!” Raising babies is ALOT of work. But it’s the best gift. I love that right before God says how great children are, He first says it’s okay to take the break.
It’s okay to slow down and cuddle your babies. It’s good to have some family time. It’s alright to leave the dishes in the sink and the clothes in the dryer a little longer than usual. It’s okay to not put on makeup for three days in a row (or maybe never again lol). It’s okay to take the break. Enjoy your kids. Relax in the chaos. And every once in a while it’s important to do something for yourself.
Rest. Relax. God gives grace for the breaks.
Be Blessed!
Jordan Smith
To read a little more on rest, click here to see my other article on the importance of rest.
What’s a way you’ve found to take breaks in your busy schedule? Let me know in the comments below!
Jordan W. Smith 
Very sweet message!
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Thank you 🥰
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I love this. God encourages rest, too. All things in their season. Thank you for sharing!
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Yes! There’s a time for everything ☺️
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I so love your concluding paragraph! It’s okay to rest. Some things can wait!
And….Psalms 127:2(MSG), “It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” wow wow! The msg translation is so good. Motherhood is a gift! ♥️
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I don’t know about you, but I know some women who have been “guilted” by the “Proverbs 31 woman” – that mythical woman who can do it all and do it with excellence. As I wrote in a recent post (“That Ain’t Me!”) that passage of scripture never says this woman does it all in one day, or even one season. Sounds like you’re in the season to hold your baby, sing lullabies, rock, smile, play peek-a-boo, and lie down to rest by your sleeping baby, thanking the Lord for those moments of wonder. You’re right – they don’t last long.
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We all need rest to be our best for ourselves, family, others, and God.
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