It is completely on purpose that I am beginning a series of posts about rest at the end of October. When the calendar turns the page in a couple of days, people everywhere will begin an 8-week-long frenzy of cooking, shopping, wrapping, visiting, and bustling about. Somehow, rest will be edged out of the picture by many in favor of holiday hustle.

Once November arrives, the runaway train that we find ourselves on can sap our energy and rob us of our joy. If we aren’t careful, the fervor of the holidays can create tension in our homes, and eventually a feeling of overwhelmed burnout.

You weren’t made to move at breakneck speed without pause, even if you happen to be hosting Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year. Being overcommitted and stressed out actually decreases our ability to experience joy and gratitude, which makes rest an essential component of the holiday season.

Sometimes in our culture, it seems to be a competition of who is busiest. Who has the most on her calendar? Who was up the latest preparing for the holidays? Who spent the most time baking and cooking and wrapping? Hurtling towards burnout should not be a competitive sport.

GOD CREATED REST

God created us to rest, just as He created us to work. The Sabbath is a special time of rest that He calls us to set apart and enjoy. He even modeled rest for us at the creation of the world. In six days He created, and on the seventh day, He rested.

Start with observing a day of Sabbath rest. Plan to spend time worshipping God and enjoying family without a boatload of other commitments. It’s difficult to say no to busyness and set aside this time as special, but it yields a peace that is worth it.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON REST

In the coming weeks, I will share specific insights on rest that are illustrated by biblical example. Plus, I will share some ideas on how to grab small moments of rest that refresh and recharge.

Learning how to choose rest will actually help you get more done and cause you to be more in tune with God. Join me for the next couple of weeks to learn more about the power of rest, even in the midst of the holiday hustle.

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Tracy

Hi! I’m Tracy. I love Jesus, my family, Earl Grey Tea, and quiet mornings. Here at Earl Grey and Yellow, the focus is striving to be faithful and appreciate the small things. So glad you stopped by. Please have a look around and subscribe to our newsletter and social media to stay connected.