I’ve had a still-in-my-pajamas-at-noon kind of day. The hubby is out of town for the week, my little ones have been stretching me in new ways that I never even knew existed, and I’m so tired and overwhelmed that the idea of cutting up veggies to make myself a nice salad sounded like too much work. I settled for easy-mac. Yep, it’s that kind of day.
We all need time to rest. Time to recharge our batteries and put away our phones. To stop checking email and Facebook and Twitter every five minutes and let our souls reconnect with the One who made us. Time to quit striving and chasing and people pleasing and just be.
The God who created us put the need for rest within us so that in our weakest moments, we would call out to Him.
We see it in the Psalms of David. We see it in the Garden of Gethsemane.
There are times when I think that if I take a break from this blog for a week or two or even a month that I will lose the online community I’ve worked for over a year to build. I realize now how crazy that idea truly is.
We need rest.
It is part of who we are. Who God created us to be. And considering the fact that at the end of next week I will be at a very intensive writing conference, I think now is a good time to take a break.
Over the past several months, I’ve met women in the online community who have encouraged me, loved me, and pushed me to be brave. They have showered me with much needed grace. Some of them I may never meet. Others I will meet in ten days.
So for the next two weeks, I’m taking a blogging vacation. I’m going to use the extra time to enjoy my family, soak in the Word, and pray.
To everyone who has said a kind word, offered encouragement, and pushed me to keep going, thank you from the very depths of my heart. As much as I love writing, there are times when doubt and discouragement get the best of me. It happens to us all. We all need people who can take our hand, lift us up, and propel us forward.
If there is someone in your life who seems like they are weary, can I just encourage you to reach out to that person today? You will be so glad you did.
Much Love,
Abby
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Today I’m linking up with the following online communities. Each one offers encouragement, inspiration, and grace in its own unique way. Click the buttons below to learn more.
Fearfully Made Mom 
Thanks so much Abby! What encouragement!! Praying for your time as you rest, may you be restored. I need to take that wisdom and put it into practice. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
LikeLike
Thank you for your encouragement and support, Desiree. It is hard for me to step away even for a short time, as I do love blogging, but it is needed. Especially with everything else that is going on over the next two weeks. Have a wonderful rest of your week. You are a blessing!
LikeLike
I firmly believe that taking a rest from the online world of blogging does NOT mean you will lose your readership; rather, it means you will return rejuvenated and ready to write your best posts yet. Enjoy your time clinging more closely to your family and to God, and have a great time at the conference. Your readers will be right here when you return.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Katie! Your support is so appreciated, as always.
LikeLike
Bless you and BLESS YOU, Abby. So you know I’ve had the same day. 😉 And week. And I need to rest, too…it’s coming. Thank you for being such encouragement to me and I can. not. wait. to meet you next week in person! I was thinking tonight I bet I just get in some crazy giggle fit meeting all of y’all and you’ll think I’m crazy and I am, but still. Eek! One week!! xoxo, mb
LikeLike
Thank YOU too, friend, for your continual encouragement. And if you get into a giggling fit, I will just giggle right along with you. 😉 Can’t wait!
LikeLike
Enjoy your time of rest, sweet friend. It surely is something we all need. We will be here when you return! Thanks for the lovely you pause you give me in my day whenever I come here. xoxo
LikeLike
Thank you for your continual encouragement and reassurance, friend. It is so appreciated. Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
Visiting from Simply Beth.
Excited for you to take this time to rest. I recently did the same thing and stopped blogging for over six weeks. While I didn’t mean to take that long of a break, it was a healthy thing and a time for me to get the rest I needed as well during a busy and exhausting time in our lives. Hoping this is a blessed time for you and that you come back refreshed and ready to encourage others even more!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for visiting and for the encouragement, Leann. I am already feeling more rested and am confident that when I return, I will be even more refreshed. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike