I gave myself a timeout the other day. Do you ever have those days where you feel yourself fraying at the edges? You know you’re cranky and it’s showing, but you just can’t stop? The constant pounding of small feet, toys strewn across the living room, and one too many toddler “accidents” exacerbated by work deadlines looming over my head, meant that I was ready to wave the white flag for the day by mid-afternoon. I recognized that anything that would emerge from my mouth at that point would only hurt, not help, the people I love. So, when my husband arrived home at 5 p.m. I set a timer and went upstairs for 10 minutes to sit in silence. It was blissful.
Friends, can I tell you that it’s okay to admit when you don’t have it all together or that you need a break? Jesus said it best:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message Paraphrase).
Today, show yourself a little kindness by admitting when you need a timeout. You’ll return to your life better due to the rest you’ve received.
