Permission to Pause: A Reminder for Overwhelmed Parents

Are you tired? Not just “need-a-nap” tired, but bone-deep, “I can’t take this anymore” weary? Between drop-offs, pick-ups, homework, work deadlines, church meetings, bills, and trying to squeeze in some time for yourself (what’s that again?), you’re running on fumes. And in the midst of it all, there's this quiet whisper you keep ignoring—the invitation to rest.

But rest feels like a luxury, doesn’t it? It feels like letting go of the steering wheel after the car is already careening off the cliff – terrifying and irresponsible. 

But here's the truth: God never designed you to live burned out. He designed you to rest and to rest regularly. That’s why He modeled it for us. 

Even God Rested – And He’s God!

Let’s start with this profound yet often overlooked reality: God rested. “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested…” (Genesis 2:2, NKJV)

You may hear this all the time, but humour me for a moment and think about it. Really think about it. God—omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent—took a day to pause. The entire universe, life as we know it, and all the things we don’t know, depend on God for survival. Yet, with all that in mind, God rested. Not because He was tired, but to set a pattern for us. Sabbath was His gift, not a burden.

Jesus reinforced this when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27, NIV). In other words, rest was created for your benefit, not to add another item to the bottom of your religious to-do list.

The Psychology of Rest – Why Your Brain and Heart Need It

Modern science is finally catching up with Scripture. Numerous psychological studies show that rest improves focus, emotional regulation, and even parenting skills. When you’re rested, you respond rather than react. You connect better with your children. You become more patient, creative, and joyful.

Sleep researchers have found that chronic stress and sleep deprivation can negatively impact your child’s emotional development, too. Children absorb our emotional state like sponges. When you’re stretched thin, they feel it and they become it. 

But when you create rhythms of rest, not only do you become more grounded, but your home becomes a refuge instead of a war zone.

The Top 3 Excuses We Give (and Why They’re Not Valid)

Let’s be real. Just like the diet we promise to start in the new year (news flash - it’s May!) and the date night that is perpetually rescheduled, we know rest is important but we always seem to find a reason why we "can’t". I’m not saying your excuses don’t hold a bit of truth. But, how about, instead of bearing the weight of that truth, we allow ourselves to focus on the bigger perspective? 

1. “I have too much to do.”

Truth: You will always have things to do. The to-do list is like laundry—it never truly ends. But rest is not an interruption to your work; it is what gives your work meaning and energy. Prioritizing rest makes you more effective, not less. 

2. “Rest never works. I wake up as tired as before.”

Truth: That’s because not all rest is created equal. Psychologists have identified seven types of rest—and sleep is only one. You might be physically resting but still depleted emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. You may need to take breaks from constant thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Or get in a safe space where you can be honest without performing or pretending. And you definitely need to spend time connecting with God—through worship, nature, or simply being still in His presence.

The Bible speaks to this in Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul…” Not just your body. Not just your schedule. Your soul. If your rest isn’t restorative, maybe it’s time to ask: What kind of rest am I truly needing?

3. “People will think I’m lazy or undependable.”

Truth: Whose opinion matters more—people’s or God’s? Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God took time away from the crowd, why do we think constant busyness is a badge of honour? Wisdom often looks like saying “no” so you can say “yes” to what really matters. Now, this doesn’t mean you should constantly renege on your commitments or change your mind. What it means is taking time before you commit to make sure it’s something you have time to complete. 

Rest is Resistance

In today’s world, choosing rest is a form of resistance. It's saying, “I trust God more than my hustle. I believe that my value isn’t in how much I produce, but in who I am in Christ.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

This isn’t just a poetic line. It’s an invitation. And it’s still open.

Practical Ways to Build Rest Into Your Life (Without Quitting Everything)

You don’t have to run away to a cabin in the Blue Mountains or book a spa day (though that would be nice). Here are some practical, realistic ways to begin:

• Create a family “Sabbath hour.” Choose one hour each week with no screens, no chores, just family connection or stillness. Read, pray, nap, or play a board game together.

• Start mornings with a moment of stillness. Before checking your phone, check in with God. Breathe. Whisper a prayer.

• Say “no” without guilt. You can’t do it all. Choose what aligns with your values and let go of what drains you unnecessarily.

• Take walks. Walking is underrated. A simple 15-minute walk alone or with your kids can reset your mind and open up space for peace.

• Normalize rest in your home. Model it. Let your children see that rest is holy, valuable, and necessary—not just something for when you're sick or worn out.

You Have Permission

Parenting in the 21st century is no joke. You’re navigating technology, school pressure, moral challenges, and spiritual battles—all at once. But here’s what you need to hear today:

You have permission to pause. You don’t need to earn it. You don’t need to justify it. Your worth isn’t found in how busy you are but in who you belong to.

So this week, pause. Breathe. Trust. Rest.

And remember: you are not alone.

Juliet Grant is a founder of Odigia Global, a Personal Development Organisation committed to helping you flourish in all your relationships through guidance that works. As a Christian for over 45 years, and a wife, mother and spiritual leader for almost half of her life, she is passionate about equipping, empowering and engaging you with the tools to see transformation in every area of your life. Learn more about Juliet and Odigia here.