Rachel settled in her beach chair as Ron and Kyle took the kids down by the water. Laura handed her a cold bottle of water. “Thanks. This day has been exhausting. I’m glad we could come for the kids’ sake, but a day trip to the beach is not exactly relaxing.” She took a long drink of water. “Then again, nothing about my life is relaxing.”
Laura closed the cooler. “What’s going on?”
“Being a working mom is so hard. I feel like I’m failing on both fronts. Whenever I miss something with the kids, I feel like a bad mom, and whenever I have to leave work early or take a day off because of family things, I feel like a lousy employee. I don’t work as long as some of my coworkers who don’t have kids. I just constantly feel like I’m spinning my wheels and not getting anywhere.”
Laura shifted her beach chair so she was under the umbrella. “It sounds like you’re trying to do everything on your own. Have you prayed about it?”
“No, but what’s God going to do about it? It’s not like He can make the muffins for the bake sale or do the laundry or compile my spreadsheets for me.”
Laura laughed. “I’m picturing God coming down, strapping on an apron, and baking muffins in your kitchen. “No, it doesn’t work quite like that, but Jesus says His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s because you haven’t asked Him for help.” She shielded her eyes from the sun, peering down the beach at her family. “Think about how today is for the kids. They didn’t have to drive, pack lunch, or remember to pack all the sand toys and the sunscreen. That was all taken care of for them. And when the waves washed away their sandcastle, they had us to dry their tears. They were sad for a few minutes, but now look at them.”
Rachel followed Laura’s gaze. Their children ran along the edge of the water, splashing their dads, squealing as the waves lapped at their ankles. “They’re having a blast.”
“That’s right. They’re having fun because today is about nothing but enjoying the beauty of the beach and the ocean and spending time with the people who love them. Our kids can have that because they trust us to take care of them. God wants you to have that kind of relationship with Him. He needs you to trust Him to take care of you so you can enjoy life.”
“That sounds great, but how do I do that? And how do I end up having less to do?”
“I can help you with the first question, but not the second one. You’ll have to trust God for that. Do you want me to pray for you?”
“OK.”
Laura bowed her head. “Dear God, my sweet sister Rachel is overwhelmed. You are her father and You love her and want to take care of her. Please give her the strength to help her do all you want her to do. Please help her find the time in her day to put Your priorities first. Show her that she has time to do everything You need her to do. Help show her what she can cut out in life so she can life a life full of joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
~*~
Two weeks later, Rachel couldn’t wait to tell Laura about the changes that had happened in her life. When the doorbell rang, she ran to answer it. She gave her niece and nephew a hug, and soon, the four cousins were playing on the swing set in the back yard, while she and Laura stood on the back deck, watching.
Rachel turned toward Laura. “Remember when you prayed for me on the beach?”
“Of course. How have things been going since then?”
“I took your advice. Each day I’ve been taking time to read the Bible and pray that God would show me what He wants me to get done, and to take away the things that are wasting time. It’s been incredible. He’s taking care of me, just like you said.”
“Tell me more.”
“Well, instead of spending a hour at the grocery store, I started putting in an online order. It doesn’t even cost extra, and I save so much time.”
“Nice.”
“I know, right? And two days into praying, my smart watch died. Every day, I’ve been making sure I met all my goals. I was tied to that streak. But instead of working out every day, I’ve been playing in the yard with the kids. We’re having fun together, I’m still getting exercise, but instead of it being a chore, I’m spending time with the family.”
Laura smiled. “That’s wonderful. How are things going at work?”
“Well, I’ve been developing better relationships with my coworkers. God prompted me to do something that seemed counter-productive at the time. Instead of eating at my desk to maximize my efficiency, He told me to have lunch in the break room and get to know my coworkers better. We’ve had some really meaningful conversations, and one woman asked if I’d pray for her.”
“Wow!”
Rachel continued. “And not only that, she taught me a few shortcuts in Excel that will save time on the data compilations I need to do each week. Eating lunch with her saved me time in the long run, plus I’m developing a new friendship. I can’t believe how much less stressed I am right now.”
Laura squeezed her shoulder. “I’m so happy for you. But I haven’t worked out today. What do you say we go start a game of kickball with the kids?”
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
God, please help us submit to You and let You take on our burdens. You never tell us life will be easy, but we can do everything You want us to do. Thank you for coming alongside us, supporting, encouraging, and empowering us to do all You’ve gifted us to do. Help us spend our time building relationships. If we put You first, it’s amazing what we can accomplish! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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