Embracing Sacred Rest: How to Integrate Rest as a Way of Life

For years, I believed rest was something I had to earn after finishing all my work. But then I realized the work is never truly done. This shift in perspective led to the birth of BreakAWAY, a journey that asks a simple but powerful question: What if rest isn’t a reward? What if rest is a way of life?

Starting June 20, we are stepping into a Summer of Sacred Rest. Over the next 90 days, we will explore five pathways back to wholeness:

• Monday-Sacred Rest

• Tuesday- Rest Around the Table

• Wednesday-Rest Through Wonder

• Thursday- Rest Through Growth

• Friday- Rest Through Joy

• Saturday Morning BreakAWAY- A 15-minute pause designed to help you live from rest, not rush, where we practice gratitude, presence, and consistency.

  
  

Today, I want to begin by sharing about Sacred Rest—a return to God through prayer, Sabbath, stillness, and presence.

Sacred Rest by the Lakeside, a place for stillness and presence

Sacred Rest invites us to pause and reconnect deeply with God and ourselves.

Why Sacred Rest Matters

As a high-capacity, faith-driven woman, I know how easy it is to feel spiritually and emotionally depleted. We have been discipled to serve and produce—but not to rest, stop, or be restored. This mindset pushes us to keep going, even when our souls are tired.

Sacred Rest challenges this pattern. It invites us to stop striving and start receiving. It’s not about productivity or achievement. It’s about being—being present with God, with ourselves, and with the world around us.

When I took my first official day of summer break as a teacher, I was knee deep in this moment of rest. I disconnected from the noise and demands that often feel too heavy or taxing. That day reminded me how essential it is to create space for sacred rest regularly.

What Sacred Rest Looks Like

Sacred Rest can take many forms, but it always centers on slowing down and inviting God’s presence. Here are some practical ways to begin:

• Prayer

Set aside time each day to pray quietly. This isn’t about checking off a spiritual to-do list but about opening your heart to God’s peace.

• Honoring Sabbath

Choose a day or a few hours to intentionally rest from work and busyness. Use this time to worship, read scripture, or simply enjoy God’s creation.

• Stillness and Silence

Find moments to be still, even if just for five minutes. Turn off devices, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Let your mind rest in God’s presence.

• Presence in Daily Life

Practice being fully present in everyday moments—whether drinking your morning coffee, walking outside, or listening to a friend. Presence is a form of sacred rest.

Overcoming Barriers to Rest

Many high-capacity, faith-driven women struggle with guilt or anxiety around resting. We worry about falling behind or letting others down. But rest is not selfish; it is necessary for our well-being and effectiveness.

Here are some ways to overcome these barriers:

• Reframe Rest as Essential

Rest is not a luxury; it is a spiritual discipline that renews your strength and clarity.

• Set Boundaries

Protect your rest time by saying no to extra commitments or distractions.

• Seek Support

Share your rest goals with trusted friends or mentors who can encourage you.

• Remember God’s Example

God rested after creation. Just enough time to look back and reflect on all he created and call it "good". If God models rest, we can trust it is part of His design for us.

My Personal Journey with Sacred Rest

This summer break, I am learning to embrace sacred rest as a way of life, not just a break from work. Some mornings, I sit quietly with my Bible and journal. Other times, I take sip my coffee slow while sitting outside on my deck, focusing on God’s presence in nature.

I notice how this rest replenishes my spirit and sharpens my focus. It helps me resist the urge to push through exhaustion and instead lean into God’s strength.

If you are a high-capacity, faith-driven woman who feels drained, know you are not alone. Rest is not a sign of weakness but an invitation to wholeness with God.

Moving Forward with Sacred Rest

Sacred Rest is the foundation of the Summer of Sacred Rest journey. It invites us to stop running on empty and start living with intention and peace.

As you begin this season, consider:

• What does sacred rest look like for you?

• How can you create space for prayer, stillness, and Sabbath in your routine?

• What barriers to rest do you need to release?

  
  

Rest is not a reward for finishing your work. It is a way of life that sustains you through every season.

Welcome to BreakAWAY. Let’s walk this path of sacred rest together.