"What do you think, Dianna? Should I withdraw from school?"
After she finished sharing all the reasons why continuing her college courses would be too difficult at this time in her life, my close relative grew quiet and waited for an answer. The fact that she was trusting me to help her make a major life decision weighed heavily upon me.
I absolutely did not want to steer her in the wrong direction. So I prayed silently as I listened.
Certainly, I understood her plight and could empathize. I've been through enough personal struggles and trials to know that they have a way of taking their toll. When storms hit hardest, it can be really tough to focus on what's important and resist the urge to completely disengage from life. I know that during my darkest times, if I am not deliberate about pressing ahead, I'll end up vegging out, languishing, and wallowing in my sorrows.
I didn't want to see her hide away in a cocoon of sadness, worry, and discouragement while life passed her by.
"What do you think you should do?" I asked, wanting her to think more deeply about what she was proposing. It took a while, but finally, the answer became clear to her. Withdrawing wasn't the right choice. Instead, she decided to take a brief mental health break and then, return to school. Rather than quitting altogether, she realized that setting aside a moment to replenish would be the best option.
Sometimes we just need to rest for a while, but not retreat permanently; call a time out, but don't call it quits; step back for a season, but don't step down for good; take a brief vacation, but don't vacate our calling.
There's a big difference between seeking a period of respite to recuperate, regroup, or recalibrate, and abandoning a course when the road gets rocky. When we feel like doing the latter, instead of throwing in the towel and waving the white flag of surrender, we should do what Jesus said in Matthew 11:28NIV. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Next time you feel like quitting, crouching in a corner, and allowing life to beat you down, do what Hebrews 4:16NLT instructs. "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Today, I want to add Psalm 61:2NIV to your cup of inspiration. It says, "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Drink this down the very next time life feels overwhelming. That way, you won't run away from trouble, but you'll run into the arms of Jesus. There you will find the strength to endure life's toughest storms and remain on your path to purpose all the while.
Lord, sometimes life gets so hard for me that I feel like I just can't take it. Everything in me wants to give up, walk away, and simply quit. But I know my destiny is not to be a quitter, but an overcomer. So in my time of distress, help me to seek You for comfort, rest, and renewal. For You, Oh Lord, are my strong tower and the lifter up of my head. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
