Rest

Last Friday I kissed my family goodbye and hopped on a plane headed north. Thanks to my hard-working, generous husband and my always helpful in-laws, I got to spend Labor Day weekend in northern Indiana with some of my closest friends from college. We spent our time together eating, laughing, sleeping, and most importantly, talking. On top of all that, we had fall weather. I’m a northerner who lives in Florida and there just aren’t words to fully express the joy in my heart when the high temperature for the day is 65 degrees. Overall, the weekend was close to perfect.

On Tuesday night it was time to come home. Because my flight didn’t land in Orlando till after 10, I didn’t get home until midnight and wasn’t actually sleeping till well after that. Wednesday morning the kids were up early as usual and soon we were off and running to church for Bible study and then the store for groceries. Today and Friday are full of activities and work at the Pregnancy Center. But I noticed something yesterday morning as we hurried out the door. I didn’t feel that tired.

Physically, I’m short on sleep. But emotionally I’ve been filled up, and I think my weekend away gave me extra energy that’ll last a while.  This morning when Micah back-arched as usual when I tried to buckle him into his car seat, I didn’t get mad. I just held him firmly and kissed his sweet little head until he finally gave up and sat down. And when the kids fought over their toys the way they like to do, I didn’t even get involved. I kept rolling with the dishes and somehow they worked it out on their own.

I realize not every mom gets to take long, luxurious breaks the way I did this past weekend (we even got pedicures!), and I am very thankful Adam encouraged me to go. This afternoon when I tucked Sky into bed for her nap, she suddenly threw her arms around me and kissed my face all over. Apparently, breaks are good for us all.

There’s a reason God commands us to rest—we need it. Have you had a break recently? If not, I hope it happens for you soon!