March 25 Permission to Pause

 Theme: Embracing Rest Without Guilt

Sharon Campbell- Danvers
Shepherdess CIC
Kings SDA Church

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

When was the last time you truly rested? Not just a quick nap or a short break, but a real, intentional pause—one where your mind, body, and soul were at ease?

Life moves at such a relentless pace. If we are not careful, we get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, multitasking, and endless demands. Everyone seems to need something from us, and everything appears urgent. But when is your urgent care moment? Not the kind that takes you to the hospital, but the kind that ensures you do not end up there in the first place.

As women, we often carry the weight of the home, family, work, friendships, and countless other responsibilities. We convince ourselves that we are irreplaceable, that everything will fall apart if we step away. But the truth is, if we were to fall ill—or worse, if we were no longer here—life would go on. Someone else would step into our role, and the world would not stop turning.

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." – Psalm 127:2 (KJV)

Recently, I found myself emotionally exhausted—more than physically tired. I knew I needed to step back and rest, but I resisted. I thought about all the things I had to do, about the people who depended on me. Then, in His still, small voice, God whispered, "It is time."

I listened, and the experience was transformative. No counselling session or medication could have provided the healing I found in stillness and rest. I woke up without an alarm, ate when I wanted, and slept when my body told me to. And guess what? The house did not burn down. Work went on without me. My husband managed. My children missed me but were well taken care of.

We are not invincible or irreplaceable. We must learn this before it is too late. Pause, breathe, rest—and do not apologise for it. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is necessary.

"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." – Mark 6:31 (KJV)

I took the antibiotics of rest, the Panadol and Baralgin of sleep, and the Losartan of restoration. It felt amazing, and I was not sorry. In fact, I have now planned to do this twice a year—without guilt, without apology.

The only permission you need is your own realization of the need. Be empowered today. Seize this moment and plan your rest accordingly.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that I have often neglected the rest my body and soul need. Thank You for being my place of peace and restoration. Help me to embrace rest without guilt, knowing that You have designed it for my well-being. Teach me to trust that life will go on when I pause, and remind me that I am not meant to carry every burden alone. May I find strength in stillness and healing in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.