I’m So Tired

A Devotional

As parents and women I feel that we have just accepted that we are going to be tired. It’s hard work what we do. To be the one that is always in charge of life, not only ours but those we love. As women we wear many hats. We are often the schedule keeper, the meal planner and chef, the chauffeur, the bill payer, one half of a parenting team, a lover, a friend, plus many of us work outside the home as well. 

During the pandemic many of us became teachers too, and some may have continued to do this. I for one hated the entire school at home bullshit. It was an absolute nightmare and COVID ruined my kids ability to function on many levels. There have been many days that my body and mind have grown so weary that I collapse and pray harder than I have in years. 

It’s an anguished cry for help, usually accompanied by thousands of tears. Help to take this struggle away, to change the situation, to bring in more money for the budget, to forgive me for not being a better parent, for this child of mine to stop being an absolute jerk! 

That is exactly what God wants. He wants us to break down and come to him with all our struggles and frustrations. Women have never had an easy time of it, and if we are being truly honest, this time in history is actually the best time to be a woman. That, however, doesn’t make life easier on the soul. 

Mothers and women from 516, 1542 to now all struggled with some of the same issues. 

We want to be loved, seen and heard. 

We want to be held, honored and respected. 

We want a damn break!

The difference today is…. we have a voice in 2023 that our grandmothers didn’t have. We can speak out and not be “out of line” or weak.

One issue I’ve always had with the Bible is how it views women. Thankfully I believe our God is a fair God and one that wouldn’t hold these same beliefs today. I have to remember that the Bible, though taken from the inspiration of God Himself, was also written by white men in a time when women were valued less than a steer. So I do believe they placed a bit of that viewpoint in our scriptures.  ( I feel I may lose some here)

Now is the time for us to be who we really are. To ask for help. It’s not 1950 and we don’t have to be everything to everyone. We can take a day and go off alone. We are allowed to get our toes and hair done, to work in the barn or take a ride alone. To have our spouses hold down the fort for a few hours or days. 

Restore your souls ladies! Do it alone or with other women, whatever will help you rest. Have a few adult beverages, sit by the pool or beach, dance like nobody’s watching! Just DO IT!!

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Prayer:

Lord God we are so tired! We do so much with so little gas in the tank. Please help us in finding our strength. Help us to rest in you. Help us to find our voices and cry out when enough is enough. Bring us your grace Lord to blanket us and calm our anxiety, anger and frustration. Help us find peace, Lord. In your name, Amen

Questions/Actions

Question: What can you do to get a few minutes just for you?

Question: Is there anything you can eliminate from your daily life that will aid you in finding more rest? Is there something you could say “no” to?

Question: When was the last time you got a great night’s sleep?

Action: Take a day, a few hours or minutes just for you. Whatever that looks like, do it. But make sure it’s something you can do that is just for you!