“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from Him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (ESV)
This three-part series is about rediscovering a full and joyful life, one that cares for the mind, honors the body, and nurtures the spirit. For years, I gave careful attention to my faith and responsibilities, yet overlooked the interests, rhythms, and simple pleasures that also make me feel alive. A bedtime story with my preschooler reminded me that life is not only about completing our duties; it is also about receiving joy as a gift from God.
One simple question became a turning point: “What do you do for fun?” I went blank. I had spent so much of adulthood focusing on being responsible, faithful, and productive that I had lost touch with the things I genuinely enjoyed. That realization made me curious about myself again, not only what I was called to do, but also what made me laugh, learn, create, and rest.
- Writing or reading a book simply because I enjoy it
- Trying a new recipe or baking something special
- Line dancing, meeting new people, and trying new foods
- Watching a sunrise, sunset, football match, or soccer game
- Enjoying a quiet evening with classical music and a charcuterie board
- Spending the day outdoors
- Karaoke, cause why not?
I had become immersed in a church culture centred almost entirely on spiritual renewal. While renewal is essential, believers can also pursue activities that refresh and engage the mind. Not every gathering has to be a church social.
In Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, Solomon speaks of eating, drinking, and enjoying our work. God wants us to enjoy the life He has generously given us; He is not a harsh Father who expects His children to serve every Sunday without rest. I have lived that way, and it’s spiritually unhealthy. It is telling that Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding, where there was likely dancing and certainly wine, since it ran out. Life offers more than just another Bible study. Studying Scripture matters, but allowing it to transform our minds goes deeper.
As a woman, you need to reset your mind regularly. When I am mentally drained, I can barely function. Sometimes I let calls go unanswered to protect my peace, and that is not selfish. Although mental health is discussed more openly today, the body of Christ still lags behind. The usual response is, “Pray about it.” Prayer is vital, but sometimes counselling is also necessary. Pray, then speak with a professional.
How many of us enter a new season without preparing mentally, then wonder why we feel overwhelmed and burned out?
Simple relaxation techniques at home can help. A brief head, neck, and shoulder massage can relieve tension and restore calm. It even works for my energetic preschooler, who is usually asleep within minutes. Adults can become overstimulated too. When I am tired, I get extremely cranky, sometimes more than my four-year-old. Turning off screens and quieting the mind are great ways to relax.
Organise and declutter. I feel best when my space is clean and orderly. A peaceful, organised home can support mental well-being; sometimes clearing your surroundings also clears your mind.
Set boundaries and reinforce them when needed. Healthy boundaries protect your peace of mind. I once gave everyone unrestricted access to me in the name of ministry, but I learned the hard way that it leads to burnout. Protecting your peace may mean not answering late-night calls or emails and refusing to engage with offensive people. As one of my older sons recently reminded me, walking away is often wiser because some people simply refuse to act wisely.
As women, we often make ourselves available to everyone except ourselves, and even God, then wonder why we become “shouty, screamy women.” Ministry can also promote the harmful myth that we must always be available, but that is unsustainable. Protecting your peace may require a sabbatical. The Lord wants to refresh His weary inheritance, yet we do not always recognise how weary we are. Continuing in that state is madness. Girl, take the sabbatical and rest. God, who created the world and everything in it, rested, so why shouldn’t we?
I know what it is like to be shunned for saying no. One of the best seasons of my life began when I said no to people and yes to God. He was preparing me for something greater. As long as I said yes in the name of ministry, everything was fine. But when I focused on my personal walk with the Lord, I was treated like the greatest sinner. I am surprised I was not stoned! (Just joking) At least, I think I am. 🙂
Daughters of Fire, rest. Care for yourself and your mental health. Take the break. Go on vacation. Believe it or not, the work will continue without you. When you are exhausted and burned out, you cannot serve effectively, so rest in Him. We are more than church girls. Perhaps this blog is the confirmation you needed to step away and recharge.
I love you and am praying for you, but Jesus loves you even more!
Girl you just gifted to be yourself. My takeaway: “Prayer is vital, but sometimes counselling is also necessary. Pray, then speak with a professional.” That is advice that some Christians would take offensively. This is practical teaching for life. I enjoy reading your blogs.
LikeLike