Do You Need to Lay Something Down?
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Photo by Paulo Henrique on Unsplash
In a recent Instagram post, my friend Aimée wrote, “God doesn't need us to hustle for Him; what He does require is abiding obedience. Sometimes that obedience will look like pressing on & Him gracing all the balls we have to keep juggling. Other times, it will look like letting some of them drop—maybe for a season, maybe indefinitely."
Aimée's words really resonated with me. The last couple of months have been crazy busy, and in my desire to get all the things done that I’ve needed to get done (and soak up as much summer sun as I can while I’m at it) I’ve found myself neglecting the practices that make me feel most refreshed and rested (like reading and quiet time at home), as well as some of the projects God has called me to do.
I know this isn't a sustainable way of living for me, and as I’ve contemplated my need to create more margin for rest and to prioritize time for my God-given goals, I’ve felt God highlighting some “balls” I need to drop.
To be honest, I feel a little bit sad about the projects I feel Him prompting me to either drop or cut back on, and I can’t help but wonder when (or if) I’ll pick those activities back up again. But…I also feel relief and a new sense of freedom, clarity, and direction. Suddenly, life feels more manageable, meaningful, and even more fun—by cutting back, I not only have more time to focus on the work I know God has called me to do, but I also have more time to just enjoy life, my husband, and my family and home (all important parts of my calling too!).
As Aimée said, God doesn’t need me to hustle for Him. Yes, He has things for me to do, and, yes, sometimes we go through busy seasons. But regardless of the season, what God wants is for me to abide in Him and follow wherever the Holy Spirit leads. He wants me to trust Him, and trusting Him includes believing that He is good, that He cares about rest, and that He is just as (or even more) interested in the process than the end product. What He doesn't want is for me to wear myself out working to make things happen in my own strength and according to my own (very limited) understanding.
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So, this month, I'm doing my best to pace myself, take more time for rest, laser in on what I'm called to focus on in this season, and let go of what I'm not called to.⠀
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How about you? Do you need a break? Is there anything you need to let go of? I encourage you to take some time to sit quietly with God and reflect on these questions. If you feel Him leading you to lay something down, trust that He has your best interest in mind and that there is a blessing in store as you obey His promptings!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here!
In purpose and faith,
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