Giving Yourself Grace
If you’re like me, you have a list of things to do that may go ‘a mile long‘. Then life steps in the way. It’s hard sometimes to do all those things you want to do, let alone do those things you need to do. When we can’t get all those things done – I think it’s appropriate to give ourselves grace.
I was going through this exact thing recently. It seemed like I was waking up running! Running from one activity to another. I had also committed myself to certain tasks that I was struggling to finish. So I felt like I was trying to run through knee-deep mud.
I had to pause.
I had to give myself a break. I had to give myself grace.
When I get so busy chasing those things that I believe to be important…sometimes I forget the most important things.
We need to pause and to give ourselves grace.
There’s nothing wrong with allowing ourselves to recharge and to rest. Jesus did just that himself.
“I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” Psalm 55:6
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He expects us to love him and to give our best for him. If we’re chasing too many things. God wants us to busy doing the right things.
Remember when he and the disciples were finishing off spending time with the public then they got on a ship. The first thing noted that Jesus did was to go down to the bottom of the ship and to sleep. His sleep was such a deep and restorative sleep that when the strong storm came, the disciples had to wake him up.
There were instances also recorded where God advised rest. Jesus attracted multitudes when he spoke. And afterward he noted their need, food and rest.
“And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31
God shared other examples of where he asked people to give hospitality to those who needed food or rest.
God understands. He knows us better than we know ourselves. So, when there are times when you just can’t seem to get all those things accomplished and you need a break…give yourself grace.
When we have given ourselves the ability to rest and to experience grace – then when restored, we can review those things we thought were important. We can decide if they really were…then we can get back to taking care of business.
It’s o.k. to step away from things for a short moment. It’s o.k. if we can’t get it all done. Just remember to rest, get restored and then resume what you needed to do.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2