Mama, how often do you feel guilty for resting — or even thinking about it?

I know I used to. I felt like I had to do it all — and only when everything was finished, then I’d maybe allow myself to rest. But even before becoming a mom, I carried guilt around slowing down. We live in a world that praises hustle and productivity.

 Rest? That’s for the weak. At least that’s what I used to believe.

But over time, God has shown me something much different:

“Rest is not idleness; it’s faith in motion.”

Rest is obedience. It’s trusting that God can hold everything together — even when I stop. It’s saying, I trust You enough to stop doing and just be with You.

Rest Isn’t Just Sleep

Something I learned a lot about last year is what it really means to rest in God. It’s not just taking a nap — though that’s part of it! It’s surrender. It’s saying, God, I trust You enough to pause. To sit with You. To believe You’ll provide for what I can’t do today. This is something I’m reminded of daily. God gives us rest. 

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

Sometimes when I’m folding laundry or wiping down the counters, I’ll whisper a prayer: God, I trust You with this moment. With this day. With this week. That quiet act of trust is a form of rest too.

The 7 Types of Rest Every Mom Needs

Each day might require a different kind of rest — and that’s okay. Some days you’ll only get five minutes. Others, maybe 30. But it all matters.

Here are 7 ways to intentionally rest:

• Physical Rest: Taking a nap, sitting down, getting a full night’s sleep.
• Mental Rest: Stepping away from screens, journaling, walking, gardening.
• Emotional Rest: Sharing how you’re really feeling — with a friend, or with God.
• Spiritual Rest: Sitting with Scripture, worshipping, or being still with God.
• Sensory Rest: Turning off lights, screens, music — reducing the noise around you.
• Creative Rest: Doodling, daydreaming, walking in nature, reading.
• Intentional Listening: Quieting your thoughts so you can hear God’s voice more clearly.

“Even God rested — not because He was tired, but because rest is holy.”

My Wake-Up Call: When God Forced Me to Rest

Last summer, I was drained. We had just finished our homeschool year, Jimmy was working long hours, and I was running on empty.

I remember praying, God, I need rest.

And wouldn’t you know it — He provided. I found out a local church was holding a VBS, and I texted a friend to ask if I could sign my kids up. She said yes. That day, I had seven hours to myself… and it was glorious. I rested in multiple ways — mentally, spiritually, emotionally. It filled me back up in ways I didn’t even know I needed.

Then about a month later, I broke my ankle — and God made sure I really rested. I couldn’t do much around the house, but our rhythms and routines kept things going. That season reminded me: the world won’t fall apart when I pause.

Simple Ways to Begin Resting Today

If rest still feels out of reach, start with something small:

• Take a 10-minute walk and breathe deeply.
• Sit with your coffee without multitasking.
• Put your phone down an hour or two before bed.
• Take 5 minutes and simply be still with God.
• Say no to one thing so you can say yes to rest.

The more I’ve rested, the more present I’ve become — with God, with my kids, with myself.

Rest Is a Declaration of Trust

Mama, I’m still learning this too:
Rest says, God, I trust You.

It’s not weakness — it’s wisdom. It’s not indulgent — it’s obedient.

“Whatever season you’re in, rest is still part of the rhythm God designed for you.
It’s not earned — it’s given. Let yourself receive it.”

With love and grace,