Who Is Doing Her Best

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

WHEN MY HUSBAND, Mark, went into full-time ministry, we had just purchased the small boutique T-shirt company Becky told you about earlier. As part of the transaction, we received some T-shirt designs, a little inventory, and a list of prospective buyers and exhibits.

I have always loved being an entrepreneur, so I was not daunted by the prospect of building this small business into something that could support our family during our major life transition. But I think I underestimated the demands of this new endeavor.

We sold most of our shirts at craft shows and conventions. Back then, online sales didn’t exist, so if people wanted a unique shirt, they had to find us in a field, a building at a fairground, or an exhibit hall. It was fun to have happy customers who were excited to see us and our displays.

The shirts were popular, but the process of setting up, selling, and breaking down our booth at these shows landed squarely on my shoulders. These events typically took place on the weekends when my husband would be in the pulpit. I was doing my best to support his career change and our new ministry while creating enough income for our little family to survive. It was a lot.

I especially remember one night when I was driving back to southern Oklahoma from Arkansas. Not only was it dark and rainy, but also I was tired from three days of sitting in the field at a fall festival. I just wished I were home and could rest. That night—and many other nights if I am being honest—the load felt very heavy. But as I look back, I recognize that the Lord was with me and helped me through that difficult season.

The apostle Matthew recorded this invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Momma, when the world seems too heavy to bear, we must remember He has given us this invitation of rest.

The Lord is right beside you, just as He was right beside me on the rainy highway in the middle of the night. He knows how hard you are trying, and He will help you carry the load. But you cannot forget to come to Him.

Whether your children are still at home or you’re an empty nester caring for your aging parents, whether you’re a businesswoman running your own schedule or employed in a profession that demands much of your time, whether you’re loving your current season of life or just so ready for the next, being a momma while being everything else can feel like an incredible load.

If no one has told you, hear me say this: The Lord knows you’re doing your best, and He is proud of you. Go to Him tonight in prayer and let Him give you the gift of rest.

Tonight we pray for the momma who is doing her best. Lord, no matter what gets thrown her way, she keeps doing all she can to care for her children and manage all her other responsibilities. Sometimes the load feels heavy, sometimes very heavy. Today may have been one of those days. Lord, help her tonight. Please bring peace, comfort, and rest.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Lord, I trust You to carry these burdens, which I lay down before You now: