Check-In Time

Published on 7 May 2026 at 05:07

Check-In Time

Check-In Time

Dear readers,

How are you doing? Please don’t answer with the “I’m fine” that we all usually say when asked that question. HOW ARE YOU REALLY DOING?

Are you taking care of yourself? Are you allowing yourself the physical, mental, and spiritual rest you truly need?

More often than not, many of us are failing in this area. We live in a constant state of burnout, running on empty, yet convincing ourselves we have no choice but to keep going. We push, strive, hustle, and pour out until there’s nothing left.

We don’t pause, we don’t breathe, and we don’t rest. God never designed us to live that way.

God’s invitation for us is to rest. From the very beginning, God established rest as necessary, not optional.

Exodus 33:14 (NIV) reminds us:

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

In Matthew 11:28 (NIV), Jesus lovingly calls out:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Rest is not weakness, and it is not laziness. Rest is obedience, breaking that burnout cycle we feel at times.

So how do we change? How do we stop this exhausting cycle? It begins with honesty.

We must release the guilt and silence the toxic voice that tells us:

“Rest is for the weak, You have to earn your worth, You can slow down when everything is done.”

The truth is, everything will never be done, instead, what if we paused and asked:

Is this pleasing to God? Is this serving my family well? Is this sustaining me, or draining me?

If the answer is no, be brave enough to let it go. You can always return to it later, if and when God leads.

Redefining What Rest Looks Like

Rest goes deeper than just observing the Sabbath, it’s a lifestyle of renewal.

Ask yourself: When was the last time I truly cared for myself, physically, mentally, and spiritually?

Maybe today, rest looks like 5–10 minutes of quiet time with God sitting in stillness without distraction, and letting your soul breathe again.

Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV) says:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

God doesn’t rush us. He leads us into rest. Rest isn’t always solitude, it can also be found in connection. Something as simple as a family dinner can become sacred ~ Praying together,

reflecting on the day, and laughing and sharing. These moments are more than routine, they are renewal.

Other forms of rest might include:

Family game nights (even a lively game of Uno!), walks where you soak in God’s creation, creative time like art or journaling, or listening to a Christian podcast together.

These are not ‘extra’ things, they are soul-filling moments.

A Gentle Reminder

Sweet friend, rest will look different for everyone.

But one thing remains true ~ It is essential, it is life-giving, and it is God-designed.

Don’t be afraid to embrace it.

Action Steps

1. Schedule Sacred Rest Time

Set aside at least 10 minutes today to be alone with God, no distractions, and no pressure ~ just be still and invite Him to refresh your heart.

2. Evaluate and Eliminate

Take a look at your calendar this week. Prayerfully remove one thing that is unnecessary or draining, and replace it with something that brings peace and renewal.