The holidays stir up all the feelings.

Hope. Joy. Nostalgia.

Perhaps nausea?

The truth is for many December is the hardest month of the year for many individuals and families. At this time our hearts especially hurt for the loved ones who are missing around the table. The stress of the season can cause us to lose sight of why we celebrate. The tension over family gatherings is more palpable than the happiness.

klein coverIf this is your experience of the holidays, I invite you to read Elisabeth Klein’s book, Holidays for the Hurting: 25 Devotions to Help You Heal. “Holidays for the Hurting is a collection of devotionals for the wounded soul to bring you comfort and hope during this season.”

Anger. Doubt. Suffering. Loneliness. Elisabeth brings hope to the darkest corners of our lives during the most “cheerful” time of the year.

Today, she has shared an excerpt with us on a topic that haunts new mamas: Exhaustion. Please read and absorb the compassion and truth of her words. Then pick up a copy of her book to guide you through the season.

Exhaustion

excerpt from Elisabeth Klein’s Holidays for the Hurting: 25 Devotions to Help You Heal

Are you tired today, sweet one? Can you maybe not see rest anywhere on your horizon? Does your hard thing appear endless to you right now?

And in the middle of all of it, it is Christmastime. And you are supposed to do an extra thousand things that you don’t normally have to do.

You are tired.
You are weary.
You are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
You want to stay in bed.
You do not want to face the world.

You are exhausted.

I have one word for you today:

REST.

That’s it. No big sermons. No huge principles from Scripture.

Just REST, sweet girl.

Lie down.
Close your eyes.
Take a nap.
Make a cup of tea.
Take in some deep breaths.
Read a magazine.
Watch a movie.
Go to bed early.
Rest.

And Baby Jesus grew up to say, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28–

God, I am so tired. I am so done with this trial, with this pain, with my life. I am weary. This is me…coming to you…asking for your rest. Please. Amen.

 

Elisabeth Klein is grateful new wife to Richard, and mom and now stepmom to five. She writes regularly at www.elisabethklein.com/blog and desires to help hurting women by bringing them hope. You may order your copy of Holidays for the Hurting: 25 Devotions to Help You Heal here.