Momma, Take a Break!

I have a friend that is struggling with taking some time away for herself. She's had this crazy year and lots of stress and really needs a break. But she's a mom so momma-guilt is in full swing.

Why do we do this to ourselves, moms? I see three clear, biblical reasons that moms need a break sometimes...

1 - Jesus did it.

While this list is not exhaustive and doesn't show that Jesus withdrew to have a quiet cup of coffee with a friend, I think we can see that Jesus placed serious value on moments of quiet. If it was necessary for the Creator of the World to find quiet, don't you think we need it too?
 

Mark 1:35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

  

Matthew 14:23

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

Luke 6:12

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

 

 Luke 22:41a

He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ...

2 - An empty cup can't serve anyone

As mothers, we are called to serve our families. I know we all try to do that with excellence, joy and a pure heart. But if we are exhausted and cranky, are we really serving our families well?

Titus 2:3-5

 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—  that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

3 - Relationships are vital in the Kingdom of God

When women sit down together and talk about more than diapers or birth stories, it's an opportunity for them to speak life into their tired hearts. It's time to share struggles and prayers and encouragement. It is when the cups get filled to overflowing and hearts get mended together. It is not selfish to want relationship with fellow women of God. It is what binds together our hearts together and strengthens us for the hard days.  
 

Mathew 18:19-20
 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

So please, moms. Don't believe the momma-guilt that would have you believe you're selfish or not enough or inadequate. You are none of those things. Find a few moments to breathe. Find quiet so you can hear God speaking to your heart. And find friends that will help hold you together. 

{Are you thinking this sounds impossible? Quiet, peace, getting out of the house?! I'll have some ideas for you next week!}