Permission to Rest

By: Wendy Sanders

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Last Thursday was just like all my Thursdays. One kid was at orchestra practice while I took another one to karate. I grabbed my book and thought, “While I'm at karate, maybe I'll just be quiet and read.” Then I started thinking about my to-do list of everything I could be doing instead of reading. As I dropped off my son off at karate, I let out a sigh before I headed out to complete a task on my list.

As I reviewed my list one more time, I clearly heard in my spirit, “I give you permission to rest.” Then a bible scene flashed before me, and it was the story of Mary and Martha.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

My time of rest was being taken away by my "to do" list, and I was allowing it to happen. Then God stepped in and told me I had His permission to rest. He also encouraged me to stop allowing it to be taken. In that moment, I realized I had a choice. I could stay busy, or I could rest. I chose rest, and I'm so glad I did!

Life is full of busy moments, and they occur in every season of life. Our calendars never stop, so it's up to us to set aside some downtime. Our eternal calendar will be filled with activity too, but in Heaven we'll never be exhausted. Instead, we'll spend our time praising our Heavenly Father, as we worship our Creator, Redeemer, and Savior!

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

During the holidays, and in every busy season, this is your reminder: God has given us permission to rest! Don’t allow the world (or yourself) to take it away. Like Mary, choose to rest and enjoy being with Jesus. As you rest, instead of reviewing your "to do" list, reflect on the many ways God has blessed you!