Rest

Rest doesn’t come naturally for me. Maybe it is because of my Asian upbringing, or maybe it is because I am a recovering perfectionist. I am still very much in the recovery process of recovering. But then again in other areas I seem to be a type “B” or “C” or sometimes even a type “D”? Hello laundry that is calling my name to be folded!

For so long I took pride in burning the candle at both ends. Because that was what would make me successful, right? That was what was going to make me good at what I did? But as I get older, I am finding myself getting quieter, observing more, and leaning into my limitations. It has made me think more about how grateful I am that God has no limits, and I can rest knowing that if I let go, He is still in control. I find myself showing up to do my best, then trusting that God can do a far better job with what little I have to offer to begin with.

Rest can look so different depending on many factors. Your season of life, the support system you may or may not have, your community, and whether or not you have people that rely on and need you to care for them, all have a part in how rest plays out for you. In this season, rest for me often looks like going to bed an hour earlier, because my daughter is an EXTREME early riser, and I want just a few quiet moments in God’s Word before I am needed. Sometimes it means asking for help rather than trying to “do it all”. And sometimes it means admitting that I need a break when my default is to power through. None of these things are extravagant, but they have changed how I show up.

I find that I have a greater capacity for important things when I have rest. I have the capacity to appreciate my life for exactly what it is. I have the capacity to notice smaller details whether that be in art, music, or the conversations I have with the people around me. I also have a better chance of showing up, mentally present for my loved ones when I am rested.

No matter what life looks like for you right now, I hope you are able to find a moment of pause.

Much Love,

Julie

P.S. This little set of watercolor illustrations I shared over on my Insta are of my sweet kitty, Ella. If I sit down to rest or read a book, I know that within 5 minutes, she will be in my lap, curled up and purring.