Knowing Your Limitations

Knowing Your Limitations

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

Matthew 11:28, NIV

I was tired, and my husband and family knew it. After months of serving in a variety of settings and groups, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and ready for a break. After praying about it one morning, I decided it was time to excuse myself from a few of the groups and activities I was a part of—not because they weren’t good things to be doing, but simply because I needed to rest.

As I sent e-mails and made calls letting others know what I was doing, it was hard but also a bit freeing to know my limitations and to let others in on my need for a rest. The people I contacted responded with such grace, completely understanding my need to take a step back. As the next several months went on, I continued to say no to things that were good but perhaps were not the best things for me to be a part of for a while.

We all experience seasons of heavy activity in our lives and times when we need to step back and rest. Our culture pushes us to constantly be busy and do more, but that is not what God calls us to be and do. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” which is quite different from what the world tells us. We’re told that our identity is found in our ability to perform, but Jesus reminds us that our worth is found in him and that he alone provides true rest.

Extending kind acts toward others is not meant to be a burden or one more thing we have to do to please God, and that includes the kindness we show ourselves. Sometimes the best kindness we can show is toward ourselves, making time to take care of our own needs and finding our rest in Christ. If you have been feeling overwhelmed or pressured to be more or do more lately, know that is not from God. He is already pleased with you just as you are.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Show kindness to yourself by saying no to something you don’t feel like you should do and taking the time to rest in Christ instead.