Let me start by admitting, wholeheartedly, that if it were up to me, I would never take a break from anything. Never. I am, without a doubt, a workaholic—driven by an inability to sit still and do nothing. I always want to do everything.
What does this mean? It means I want to be a full-time grandma, full-time artist, full-time wife, full-time small business owner, and full-time author. All at once. Can you see the obsessive wishful thinking here? It’s like I’ve convinced myself that if I don’t fill every minute with something productive, I’m wasting time.
But then life—and perhaps God—stepped in and made a decision for me.
Since moving into our new home and beginning renovations, I’ve had no space to create art. Literally. The area where my art studio will eventually be is currently filled with furniture, as we’re working on the bathrooms, floors, kitchen—everything!
For now, we’re living in the guest bedroom with our parents, taking care of our grandkids in their sunroom. All of my paints, brushes, canvas, and even my piano are tucked away, out of reach. At first, I felt completely unsettled. A few weeks of rest were manageable, but soon enough, I felt that familiar rush—the urge to create, to work, to be busy. Guilt set in, telling me, "You should be doing more. You’re falling behind."
So, naturally, I thought, "Maybe I’ll write another book!" After all, I had to do *something*, right? But that’s when I realized the need to be busy was actually hurting me. The constant drive to do more was not only stealing my peace, but it was also keeping me from seeing the blessings right in front of me.
In those restless moments, I stopped to reflect and saw the bigger picture: the blessings God has given me in Christ. My family—my husband, our grandkids, our new home—and most importantly, my saving faith. In the midst of all my striving, I had lost sight of the fact that these are the things that truly matter. My worth isn't in how much I accomplish, but in who I am in Christ and the gifts He has already given me.
There’s a lesson I’m learning in this season: *There is a time for everything*. Sometimes, resting from doing something is actually the best way to improve at it. By stepping back, I’m gaining perspective. I’m learning to grow in wisdom, to be more patient, and to trust that God’s timing is perfect. It’s a humbling realization, but an important one. There are moments when slowing down, or even stopping altogether, is the most faithful and fruitful thing we can do.
I’ve always been one to push myself to the limit—moving from task to task, always striving for more. And here’s the funny part: I married the most balanced, sensible man in the world. My husband works hard, but he also rests hard. He knows how to call it a day, enjoy his evening, and go to bed with peace of mind. Meanwhile, I’m the one lying there, thinking of everything I didn’t get done! In this season, God is teaching me to learn from his example, to embrace rest and contentment, and to live in the moment rather than constantly rushing to the next thing.
This isn’t just about taking care of my health; it’s about refining my character. It’s about learning to live with a heart that seeks wisdom in Christ, trusting that He is at work even when I am still. For years, I’ve thought that accomplishing more would bring me fulfillment, but now I see that true satisfaction comes from resting in God’s grace and trusting His timing.
So, I’m embracing this time as an opportunity to shift my focus. I’m letting go of the pressure to constantly *do* and instead allowing myself to simply *be*. That doesn’t mean everything stops—our grandkids still need love and attention, the renovations continue, and life goes on—but it means I’m no longer fighting against this moment. I’m choosing to enjoy the blessings God has given me and trust that He is using these circumstances to work on me, too.
I’m excited about what’s ahead—our new home, our growing family, and the memories we’ll create. But more than that, I’m excited to see what God is doing in me through this season. He’s shaping me in ways that will glorify Him, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be changed.
Here’s to a season of rest, growth, and deepening faith—one that will bear fruit in ways I can’t even imagine yet. All to His glory.
