I am tired. Anyone else tired?
Matthew 11:28 says, “I will give you rest.” I take hold of that verse and cling to the promise of it. This world can be hard and tiresome. There are days when I don’t want to get out of bed, but the dog is barking to be let out and the kids are fighting over the remote or expressing their hunger to me. All I want is to crawl under the covers and imagine being alone with only me to take care of, meaning, if I wanted to go back to sleep, I could! Then as I am in my pity party of one, I imagine my life with out my daughters and the emotion of an aching heart overwhelms me. I would miss their kisses and hugs and their “I love yous.”
I might want to go back to sleep to feel more rested, but I am needed. I am loved. That is enough for me to crawl out of bed, let the dog out, break up a fight and get breakfast started. I believe that one day I will get my rest, but for now in the midst of motherhood, rest isn’t part of the equation. I can’t stop and dwell on all the house work that needs to get done, the dog that needs bathed, the beds that need made, the toys that need to be put away, the toilets that need cleaning, the dishes that need to be washed or the endless amount of laundry that can’t fold itself. I can’t focus on the fact that I am a “single” mom or how hard life is for me at times. If I dwell on the work that needs to be done or my state of singleness, I get tired. And when I get tired I lose what I should be focusing on – Jesus – the very source from which my restfulness comes.
As I run towards the cross of Jesus I am reminded of His love for me. The Bible is full of encouraging truths from God that are meant to lift our spirits and guide us when we are absolutely “tired.” Our rest can be found in the grace that God showed us at the cross. Sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally… or both, but just knowing what he has done gives me the desire to show that same love without boundaries to my children and others around me.
“My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress I will never be-shaken.” (Psalms 62:1-2)
Just reading that verse boosts my spirit and opens my eyes a little wider to the peace promised to me through the cross.
So I encourage you in your busy schedules and unclean homes to take to heart the promise that rest is not found in the amount of sleep you get or how many vacations we take. Rest is found in our Creator. It sounds easier said than done, I agree. However, if we try and make it a focus point in our lives then it will turn into a habit of always seeking our peace and rest from the Lord in whom we put our trust.
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
I will keep praying for peace and rest for all of us who feel tired and unmotivated to crawl out of bed. I pray we hold tight to the truth of God found in his word and I pray that together we can encourage and love on those who need to be lifted up in spirit. We are not called to walk this journey alone, thank goodness for that. So get up with a smile on your face, you are needed and loved.
From my heart to yours,
Hilary
I needed this today! As a fellow single mom, who never in a million years expected to be living this life, it is hard to stay encouraged sometimes. Life has been throwing me around lately & I have been trying to keep on my brave face and continue to encourage others when all I want to do is just quit for awhile. I needed the reminder that I am not alone 🙂
Love your transparency and honesty. Hugs to you, precious mom!
Beth- Thank you for sharing your heart. You are not alone. There has been many times in my life I have wanted to give up and throw in the towel.Then I think of the future God has in store for us and I cling to the cross with tears streaming down my face. For I know He has got my back and will never let me go. Thank you for encouraging me through your reply. You are loved by a God who knows your pain and thinks you are marvelous. Blessings to you and your children.
Thank you for this encouraging post! I’m also a single parent and have 2 boys. I wonder sometimes if I will make it through the day or fall flat on my face from being so exhausted. Looking to God is what keeps me going as well as the smiles and hugs! For 8 years I have kept pushing forward with 5 hours of sleep on a good night. Now that the boys are older it does seem to be getting better and they do help out tremendously compared to other children their age. God Bless!
Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. 🙂 You’re coming around a corner—keep running! {You can do it}
Katie- You are a blessing to your kids! What a sacrifice you have shown them through your love even when life got hard. I am so encouraged to hear from other mom’s who understand the struggle yet still chose to look to our Creator. Thank you for reading my post and I pray you are blessed. 🙂
God bless single moms! I have not walked in your shoes, but I have walked alongside friends who are single wonder-women and I find myself amazed and encouraged.
Amy- Thank you for your encouraging words. I honestly wouldn’t be able to walk this road without the support of friends, family and my church. Thank you for being a support to your friends whom you have walked along side and may you be blessed.