Hope For Weary Women

Through every season of life there is hope for weary women. The dictionary defines weariness as emotionally or physically exhausted in strength, endurance, freshness and can include discouragment.  We often get so busy we lose sight of the resources our Heavenly Father  wants to provide. He will give us wisdom to figure out solutions and strength to do the tasks before us. The Holy Spirit will help us hold our tongues when stressed and give peace when overwhelmed – if we ask.

Matthew 11:28,29   Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Peter 5:7   casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

 

ON THE HAMSTER WHEEL

Young parents are so busy with their kids schedules and school and home and life in general.  They are generally happy but there is an undertone of deep weariness.  They are constantly running on the hamster wheel of life.  Multiple sports is a common culprit. Vacations are scheduled but filled with activities. (I was guilty of this) . Where is downtime and rest? Where is the time for private connection with a spouse? Moms (and Dads)  become very weary if there is no time for spiritual health and physical rest.

Moms, you can control the chaos.  Your time with God needs to be number one and time with your spouse needs to be number two!  Together set priorities and have a planning session each month.  Leave some bandwidth for birthdays, holidays and unexpected changes. Protect your heart and mind from information overload and too much social media.  Make time for friendships because a good friend can be your most valuable asset when raising children.

These principles are important for young working  singles too!

Psalm 143:10    Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

Proverbs 31:26–27    She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 27:17    Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

IN THE SANDWICH

Probably the most challenging season in life is when we are taking care of aging parents and not quite grown children.  Even though the children are somewhat independent at college and or working they still need assistance.  Time is now spent accompanying a parent to the doctor, checking meds or help with grocery shopping.  Our  amount of compassion and patience can wear very thin when demands come from all sides. Often our spouse may bear the brunt of our frayed nerves. Plus we may be still working outside of the home where there are other demands on our time and attention.

Being “sandwiched” calls for re-evaluating our priorities and setting boundaries even on our own activities.  Learning about a parents health issues helps us understand what help they need  Making sure we  get enough sleep each night so our bodies can restore themselves is vital. Staying in God’s word is crucial for your soul to be fed.  We have to recognize our own limitations as our bodies begin to age to offset becoming weary. I learned the value of a power nap!

Proverbs 3:13    Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,

Isaiah 40:31     but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

 

DURING THE GOLDEN YEARS

Our golden years can still be sandwiched if helping with grandchildren.  Planning for or taking retirement involves careful consideration and  health issues may arise or worsen that can change our focus or limit opportunities. Sometimes the “golden years” years might seem  tarnished. But how we view all of life is a matter of perspective and careful strategy.

Over the years I have observed many godly older men and women.  They just radiated the love of God despite circumstances.  They trusted God when they were raising their children and prayed hard in difficult seaons of life and now when health might have declined they still prayed, served and trusted God for each day. They spoke boldly of God’s blessings and grace.

How we live in our senior years is determined by the choices we make when we are younger.  I choose grace.  I want to continue to grow and learn more about God and serve Him as long as I live. I am content with the many blessings God has given us. I don’t need more stuff.  I try to use my difficult past situations to teach others about His faithfulness.  God is a good and gracious God Who is ready and able to ease our burdens and give rest to our souls no matter what age or stage we are at.

Job 12:12–13     Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.

Proverbs 16:31   Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.