‘Tis the season. I’ve heard that phrase said a lot these past few weeks. And it hasn’t been in reference to twinkling lights or pumpkin spice lattes. It hasn’t been because of Christmas decorating, shopping, or singing “fa-la-la-la” either. No, it’s been said with furrowed brow and tired eyes—‘tis the season. With weary arms and slumping shoulders—‘tis the season. It’s been voiced in resignation, spoken with sighs of fatigue. In fact, the phrase has become a kind of anthem for that very present reality we can all find ourselves in this time of year, if not careful—

‘Tis the season…of too much busy.

Has the busy of this holiday season taken its toll on you? Has the Christmas shopping, event planning, schedule coordinating, house preparing, traveling, cleaning, buying, making, baking begun to affect what this season really means?

Perhaps it’s time to be honest with our emotions and remind ourselves God worked, but he also rested (Genesis 2:2). Jesus served wholly and fully, but He also took time to slip away to solitary places to seek His Father and pray (Mark 1:35). It’s hard sometimes to give ourselves permission to rest. Rest can often feel a lot like work. It can take enormous effort to say no to that event, to let the dirty dishes sit in the sink, or to leave items on the to-do list undone.

But choosing to rest is a holy act. Choosing to take a break and sabbath is God-honoring and obedient. It’s soul care. After all, at its core, rest is all about trust. It’s believing God will supply. God will replenish and sustain us. And God Himself will see us through.

*First published by The Joyful Life Magazine.