Moms Get Days Off, Too...Sort of

Do moms get a day off? A sick day? A day we can call in and pull the covers back over our heads? No. We don’t. But sometimes we still have to take the “day off” anyways.

This morning I awoke under the weather. I didn’t have a malady that required serious attention nor intervention, but I was feeling pretty beat. A headache kept me tossing and turning most the night, probably due to worries and stress. I opened my Beth Moore Bible Study on Fruits of the Spirit and asked God to give me the energy, the spark, the attitude I needed to be productive today. But, He didn’t.

Instead I turned my Bible to 1 Kings and read the story of Elijah and the part where Elijah gives up in despair. Elijah falls into a suicidal depression with little faith that God will protect him from death. And what was God’s response? Anger? Rebuking? Discipline? No, God sent an angel to care for Elijah, providing rest and food. I cradled my throbbing head within my hands and knew that today would not be the day I crossed everything off my list. Because sometimes the most important duty we have is that of rest.

Today Elijah taught me that it is okay to be exhausted. It is not okay to ignore that condition and continue onward simply because of feelings of guilt or responsibility. All of us need days where we stand back, stand aside, and let God minister to our needs.

So, I cooked breakfast and did the dishes—and that was it. I’m sure at some point I will prepare dinner and there are little girls that need time and attention. But for now I am bundled up and letting the world turn around me. 

As positive and loving humans, we want to give so much to the world. But before we can give, we need to receive. We need to receive God’s peace and joy and wisdom. And we need to receive rest in God’s presence. 

Today if your list beckons but your body, mind, and heart have not been tended to, talk to God about it. Exhaustion happens. If you have reached that point and God is providing the time and opportunity to rest, do so. Don’t feel guilty. Instead, allow yourself to feel immensely loved by your Heavenly Father.

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Elijah came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. 
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again.
1 Kings 19:4-6