I am tired, friends. The kind of tired that searches for answers but can never seem to take hold of the right one. I imagine you understand. Who of us hasn’t lived through a tired season or two in recent days?
Still and yet, there is no retirement for me as a mother, a wife, a friend, a follower of Jesus Christ. I don’t get to quit because my feelings tell me to do so. I get the privilege of “walking it through.” Yes, privilege. To see my life’s work as otherwise—to value it less than what God intends—is to till the seeds of discontent. And when tilling those seeds becomes more important than accepting my privileged participation as a member of the human race, then sure disaster lies on the horizon.
Thus, the rub. How do I balance exhaustion and privilege? Where is the dividing line between what I am called to do and what I feel that I can no longer do? When does taking care of my need become more important than taking care of the needs of others?
This is the current struggle of my heart. I could keep it to myself … bury it in hopes of being able to ride this wave a bit longer, but what does it profit me to stuff my angst? I’ve never been able to reason that as helpful. Rather, I believe that confession is very good for the soul. In choosing to do so, I believe that there is someone else … perhaps even you … who needs the witness of my admission.
My weakness to strengthen you. Yours to strengthen me. This doesn’t make for an easy understanding; it simply and profoundly “is” what the body of Christ does.
We depend.
We befriend.
We bend.
We lend.
We tend.
We mend.
We comprehend…
so that in the end, the body grows stronger. Walks better. Shines brighter and lives purer.
For all of the struggle that feeds my flesh this night, I willingly embrace the high and holy privilege of being yoked alongside of you. I’m part of something bigger than what exists inside of me. My life is not lived in isolation, even when I reason solitude to be the better option.
Sometimes, it is the better option. Sometimes not. Wisdom comes from knowing the difference between the two. Tonight, wisdom tells me that my exhaustion mandates a much needed pause—at least until I get a good night’s sleep and a heavy dose of doing “little to nothing” for a few days.
Come Monday, summer kicks into full swing over here. I haven’t yet decided how I feel about all of that (although I have an inclination or two). I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, thanks for your understanding. I covet your prayers and need your friendship now more than ever before.
You are some of best parts of my day. God did me an incredible favor when he decided to intersect my life with yours. Words fail to adequately express my deep love and fondest affection for all of you who make my walk a richer pilgrimage. Keep to the road friends. Keep to Jesus, and I’ll see you on the other side of some rest. As always,
I came in tonight and after tending to family and pups and before I shower and draw my attention to God and sleep; I came over here to see you.
I’m glad that I did.
You said, “I covet your prayers and need your friendship now more than ever before.”
Well dear sister you have them both — prayers and friendship and thank you for yours. As one who understands what you’re saying I say —
Peace be unto you.
I love you.
Hi Elaine!
I completely understand what you are going through…Lord knows it. I highly suggest rest (and I’m talking to myself here too). Go on and take a rest because I know once summer starts, that will bring a life of it’s own. I’m praying for you Elaine- for your strength and that the Lord would grant you rest… a period where you can just consume yourself in peace and quiet, but above all peacefulness that’s coupled with a sound mind- a mind of no worries or anxieties. Recharge sister! It’s so needed!
Praying for you!!!
Love, Hugs and Prayers,
Kennisha
Elaine,What a blessing as always.Hope you find answers and get some rest! Love, Faye
My weary is yoked with yours.
We’ll get their my friend…we don’t walk it alone.
Hugs, love and prayers,
Joy
If you were here, I'd make sure we had one of those fancy spa days (oh how I love massage & pedicures), some homemade goodies (with chocolate), and a rousing laughter session – all followed by a nap.
It is so very wise to stop, drop & roll when the soul's smoldering! Rest well, and may you be full of vigor in the days to come.
Hugs & prayers,
Kathleen
Oh, Elaine! I can so much identify with what you wrote today! I could have written it myself! Well, no, on second thought I could never have written something this descriptive of how I’m feeling but as I read it I kept thinking….that’s just how I feel….that’s just how I feel.
I wish for you rest for your weary soul. And for me too. (smile)
Love ya,
Marilyn
I’m glad you blogged about this. My chronic health issues require me to do more resting than I want. Everyone around me is glad when I take those breaks though! I’m struggling with facing what the summer should, could, and would hold. I need to let go of much and teach my children how to rest. In our American paced world, that would be a good lesson to learn….especially if it includes resting in the arms of our Father. May you do much of that in these few days.
Dearest Elaine,
You are an inspiration to so many… and so… to inspire women to take needed rest… when necessary… is such a good example to set.
What a hindrance I used to be to other christian women. They saw me as mature, serving the Lord without regard to my health. Perhaps they thought they should be more like me. What a poor witness I was.
Now, I am the encourager of rest. The encourager of hanging out with God. Taking rest in the RESTorer.
Blessings to you, dear friend!
I wish I could send a pedicure your way!! They are marvelous for relaxation… whenever something really awful is happening in my life, or I am just plain worn OUT my husband or my mother take to get a pedicure. I’ll be praying for you and that you can have a “pedicure moment” soon!
Oh yes, Sister, I’ve been there. Over and over and over again. Seems I run and run and run, and then I am out for awhile with an injury or two…some of which are reasons for taking my blog break. I’ve been away almost a month, and I’m still not led to come back. My flesh tells me that’s not a good professional decision, but His Spirit is driving me.
Selah, my dear sis Elaine. In whatever way the Spirit leads. I’ll be praying for you, and I’m so glad you shared with your sistas!
Elaine,
I have not been by for awhile because life has kept me so busy I too have suffered the privilege of exhaustion. Tonight I must have needed to read my own feelings through your words. Tonight I am battle weary yet have so much to continue to fight for. Tonight I need to hear from my source of strength.
Tonight I can feel where you are and I am honored to be able to lift you up to our Father and seek peace and rest for your tired body and spirit. Tonight I have the privilege to pray for you my sister.
Blessings for rest and renewal.
Cindy
Oh Elaine,
what a blessing to see someone seeing the gift of their limits… that my friend and I were just talking about today.
I pray that your pause and rest are rich and blessed by God and that you will feel His arms holding you safely, and his peace flooding through your heart and soul and mind and body.
Thank you so much for all your encouragement to me. I hope that if there is anything more I can do than pray (which I will be doing) from here, please let me know!
I too am richer for knowing you.
God bless, my friend and sister in Christ,
Heather
Elaine,
You have a heart for Jesus that shines through when your tanks are full as well as now when they’re empty. You’re right that wisdom helps us discern when to press on and when to pull back. Even Jesus went off to spend time to recharge his batteries and commune with his Father.
I pray that you, too, receive much needed rest and restoration in the next few days. Praying for a good night’s sleep. (How that can cure a lot of life’s ills.)
Love and prayers,
Kelli
I am guilty. Guilty, guilty, guilty of not getting the rest I need. I tend to stay up late, because going to bed does no good. I can’t sleep. I need to sleep. The Lord knows that I WANT to sleep. My health would be better if I slept. And yet, here I am. Wide awake, yet dog-tired. Praying we both will be able to rest tonight.
I am praying for you and praising God for your friendship.
Love you,
beth
I just stepped out of a busy season…but am able to catch a bit of rest this week. Praying for you…Hugs.
Elaine,
Get some much needed rest and refuel yourself with the power of the Holy Spirit. You can not do it all in and of yourself. Lean on Him and depend upon Him in you. He will cause you to rise in His strength and soar like an eagle accomplishing great things as if you are sitting back relaxing and watching yourself do what is necessary. Not in your strength but in His.
I am praying for you!
Christy
Yes, we all walk this weary road together. I, too, find myself in a place of unrest grasping for words but full of emotions – most of which are not productive or encouraging. So, I pray a bit of little to nothing for you, for me and for those who need rest also.
Thank you for sharing your heart on this, I needed this witness.
Shalom,
Denise
I very much understand. That is one of the reasons why the Lord is leading me on the journey that I blogged about earlier this week—prioritization and boundary setting. It is good, but difficult.
Knowing that He will renew you as you allow Him to do so.
Leah
You do deserve some much needed rest my friend. Sometimes us in the work force think we are the only ones who seems to be tied up and rushed. May peace be with you as you start the summer and go where God leads you and do what he leads you to do. I love you!
Elaine,
You do deserve some much needed rest. Sometimes us in the work force think we are the only ones who get all bogged down and rushed. Peace to you my friend as you search for what God wants for you to do and as you tackle the summer and all that comes with it. Love you!
Praying for a time of rest for you today Elaine. This too shall pass!!
Love you!!
First and foremost: exercise, sub- lingual B12, and water, water, water
Then,
Print this and put it on your fridge….check 'em off as you do them or read them each day…i found them calming to read
WHAT TO DO:
be at ease
be comfortable
breathe
compose oneself
doze
dream
drowse
ease off
ease up
idle
laze
lean
let up
lie down
lie still
loaf
loll
lounge
nap
put feet up
recline
refresh oneself
relax
repose
sit down
slack off
slumber
snooze
stretch out
take a break
take a nap
take five
take it easy
take life easy
take ten
take time out
unbend
unwind
wind down
watch the butterflies, flutter by! >;<
ASSOCIATED ADJECTIVES:
becalmed
cataleptic
cubatory
deliberate
fixed
hypnagogic
immovable
leisurely
mawmsey
motionless
moveless
quiescent
quiet
recumbent
reposing
restful
semisomnous
silent
somnifugous
still as a statue
undisturbed
unmoved
unruffled
unstrained
LOVE YOU WITH THE LOVE OF THE LORD…;D
Keep to Jesus my friend. Keep to Jesus.
wifeforthejourney:
You have walked a long road, and crammed about three or four times the amount of “doing” into each day than the average person. No wonder you are tired. And yet, you still find the portion you need to survive each day.
My prayer for you today comes from that favorite old hymn, that you will find “strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine and 10,000 beside.”
I love you!
~ Billy
wifeforthejourney:
PS – After a quick review of some of the other comments, I’d love to see one of your friends drag you off for a pedicure. THAT would be a major highlight 🙂
You certainly have some sweet friends out there in blog-land.
~ Billy
To your husband-for-the-journey: I would love nothing more than to drag her away for a pedicure! Too bad I don’t live next door. :o(
To my friend-for-the-journey: Praying for peace, RESTORATIVE SLEEP, and a deep infusion of the Savior’s comfort.
Sending you a strong hug across the miles of land and cyberspace and so wishing I could do it in person.
Love you Elaine,
Melinda
Mrs. Elaine:):)
I understand. I have been feeling tired too. A pause to refuel on Him and His word seems to be in order for you:) Is there a pretty scenic area you can go and sit even if it is only for an hour or so, some sunshine and some new scenery always helps me.
Blessed day to you today!:)
Love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
Dear Elaine, oh, how I understand every word, my friend. And when your body and spirit are crying out for quiet and rest, it is most surely the Lord’s way of saying, “Stop.”
Please, take care of yourself. Whatever recharges and refreshes you, both physically and spiritually, do, and you will soon feel better.
I, like, Amy, have some health issues that make me easily tired and fragile. So, I do, indeed, comprehend the need.
Yes, you take care, and I will talk to you when you feel better, dear friend.
Above all, remember the great love of the Savior and His restoring hand. He loves you so very much and will never fail to meet all your needs.
Love,
Andrea
Oh Elaine…..are we connected at the heart or what?
I am spinning! These last few months have done me in. I am exhausted and not sleeping well either.
I have SO MUCH to do. I can’t stop!
School ends for us on Tuesday…my sweetboy turns 19 on Monday…then…he graduates on the next Saturday.
Family flying in from back home in Florida….parties left and right.
I’m privileged ……
I know that!
Thanks sweet sister!
I’ll be praying for you…..hang on!
Seems like a God-engineered respite for you…may you wait upon the Lord, forgetting all else, so that your strength is renewed and you soar like an eagle…
and then come down for that pedicure with all your bloggy friends (-;
Oh, precious friend, I was indeed yoked with you in tiredness this week! And, I was Homesick (with a capital “H”!). Oh, so Homesick.
And, in my weariness, I purposed to “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” and to “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (reference Psalm 91). I deliberately chose “the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3).
I know that you did, too. What a precious gift, even in weariness, to dwell alongside you under His wings!
PS-I do pray that your weekend is restful and restorative! 🙂
Elaine, thanks for sharing your weariness so honestly. I pray that God is blessing you with refreshing sleep and His wisdom and direction on if you need to trim back some of your commitments. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus knows when we need rest and then calls us to it?
Love & Prayers, my friend!
Cheryl
Take a much needed break and rest! You don’t do anyone any good when you are feeling as you are. I’ll be praying you revive:)
Hmmm, sounds like it is time for a trip to the mountains! And we may have just the place for you really soon!
Praying for you girl!
One thing I have learned…..He is making a way in the dry place. There is a time of refreshing coming! He sees the weary soul….He knows the spirit that needs encouraging…and He is making the way!
He is faithful!
He is!
And He is tender and loving in his care!
hope you had a quiet Saturday!!
Elaine, I'm catching up on some reading and just now made it over. My thoughts and prayers are with you, friend. I know exactly what you are saying, in fact, I feel the same way. I've been giving it my all lately (and not sleeping!) and I'm just so tired, all around.
Yet this morning, my hope was renewed reading Ex. 6 where God said, "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew me, but I did not fully reveal Myself to them like I'm going to to you." It is at times of deep and great need, when we are given no straw for bricks but have the same quota that God reveals Himself more fully. That is our hope, dear friend. I'm praying that we both will SEE HIM!!!
Elaine. I can SO resonate with you! SO! Sometimes I feel like I'm losing it – but God is ALWAYS faithful. Praying you through this break and joining you in the privilege of being yoked to "weary" — and our amazing God.
So grateful for you, my friend.
oh how i feel the rub today. hard to enough put it in words. “I hate my life” just doesn’t seem appropriate! UGH! Praying alongside of you!
elaine, I know that kind of tired. So tired, so many thoughts that swirl preventing even falling into sleep.
This summer I have done two things. I have communicated and made loud and clear what these two things are. I care to much, serve my family to much and love every part of it, even in the midst of being overdone.
I have cleared my summer for the calendar. Very little planning outside of a week. I have communicated this to my friends. I know with a large family there will be many demands made on me and in those times when I driving here and there I get the priveledge of conversation with young adults who will soon have thier own homes, cars thus I take that time, perhaps this one last summer as a full family. That is a big one for me.
Second I am committing to take care of my health. Often, actually always I choose to serve someone else before caring for myself. I am taking time to exercise, being mindful of what I am eating and not just eating what everyone esle wants.
It may sound a bit selfish but it's what I need to do to get through a summer with five kids home.
So has you find peace for your journey know that I am in Oregon praying and thinking about you.Love to you!!
I would love for you to stop in and break bread with me. Sharing our hearts and lifting some weary for one another. Last night, I had to just sit in my rocking chair and listen, get still, be quiet. I was absolutely on my last leg…..you spoke deeply to my heart, Elaine.
Love ya
Elaine,
Your transparent heart is what draws me here everytime.
I wish I could just say I’m tired, that I am trying very hard to reorganize a busy life. The truth is, when I’m tired, Im cranky.
Any prayers should be for my sweet husband who is having to put up with my ugliness. I’m so happy he doesn’t keep a journal.
The day is coming when we will be resting together. When that day comes, I can’t wait to hug you in person.
Praying for you Elaine.
Wow! All I ever can say when I come here is Wow!
you said…
"We depend.
We befriend.
We bend.
We lend.
We tend.
We mend.
We comprehend…
so that in the end, the body grows stronger. Walks better. Shines brighter and lives purer.
For all of the struggle that feeds my flesh this night, I willingly embrace the high and holy privilege of being yoked alongside of you. I’m part of something bigger than what exists inside of me. My life is not lived in isolation, even when I reason solitude to be the better option."
THAT spoke profoundly to my heart and state of being.
Bless you and know that God is using you for His kingdom agenda…
Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[JESUS – the One I Worship]
Cyber-hugs to you! Get the rest you need, and when you come back you'll be refreshed with new blessings to share. We love you!