A Prayer to Try Softer, Not Harder, in Your Season of Life
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.” Proverbs 19:8
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Over a decade ago, I left a lucrative, fast-paced, high-powered career to stay home with my two girls. I’d bought into the lie that I could “have it all” if I tried harder to make it all work. I was physically exhausted, mentally drained, and spiritually depleted. I knew that God was calling me to step away from my job so that I could re-energize, restore, and rejuvenate my health and relationships. Still, it was one of the hardest things to do, but one of the best decisions for our family.
As my girls grew older, I took on odd jobs, working a few hours here and there, but nothing that drastically altered our schedules or impacted our day-to-day lives. Yet, when I heard women who worked full-time jobs share their struggles, working 40 hours a week, attending the ball games, serving at church, caring for themselves, and all the other things, I couldn’t help but feel guilty that I didn’t feel the same stress. Which, in turn, led me to look into going back to work full-time. The search was short-lived; after talking to my husband and considering our family goals, the financial gain didn’t outweigh the extra stress on our family.
Instead of feeling grateful that we were in a position where my being at home allowed me to live a more unhurried lifestyle, I felt guilty. I began to convince myself that something was wrong with me because I wasn’t overwhelmed, relatively stress-free, got a good night's sleep, and didn’t constantly have to make sacrifices for work or family. I called my friend and shared how I felt like I wasn’t measuring up or doing enough, and I was generally just disappointed in myself.
“I want you to be kind to my friend, Laura,” she spoke over me. “Think about the words you are using to describe your current season of life. Would you use those same phrases if you were talking to a friend about their life?” she prodded. “No way, I would never be so rude,” I swiftly replied. “So why then do you think it’s okay to speak to and about yourself that way?” she said. Whew, I‘d never thought about it that way.
Why do we carefully choose our words when speaking to others yet are overly critical of ourselves?
Why can we see when others need a break or applaud them for choosing rest, yet we call ourselves lazy and unproductive when we do the same?
Why do we compare our circumstances to others and determine we aren’t measuring up?
Proverbs 19:8 tells us that a wise person cares about their spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well-being. They understand and listen to what their bodies and souls need to thrive, not just merely survive. I think about the life of Jesus. He had a never-ending “to-do” list but was unhurried. In the middle of chaos, He would often take time to rest, pray, and be with the Lord. He was God in human form and could have easily slayed His task list. Instead, He chose to abide with God, linger with people, and rest instead of doing it all and being all to everyone.
I understand that not everyone is in the same situation, and some seasons are busier than others. I am also not suggesting that we forsake our responsibilities or that there is even one-size-fits-all when we are kinder to ourselves, our bodies, and our souls. But, perhaps, if you are feeling the tension of the “American dream,” or overwhelmed by a schedule that was made because “everyone else was doing it, “ or maybe in a stressful situation because you believe “it’s what you should do,” then perhaps its time to try softer, not harder in this season.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, we see in Scripture that you value rest. So much so that, after You created the World, you took time to rest, not because You needed to, but because You wanted to show Your children the blessing of restoration, relaxation, and renovations for our bodies, minds, and souls. Our lives are busy; some of it is our making, and others are due to the season of life. Help us prioritize our physical and spiritual health, and show us if we can change things to help give us margin and breathing room.
We love you, Lord. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus tells us that when we are weary and burdened, we can come to Him, and He will give us rest. Let us come to You, laying down the need to prove or achieve and instead resting in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Photo Credit ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Daniel de la Hoz
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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