Seasons change. It’s a truth that I can grasp at varying levels. Weather, yes. Life, not so much.

I’m co-leading an amazing Life Group based on the book Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons. It’s timely and eye-opening. And it’s bringing to light some things I need to adjust.

I recently discovered that I’m in an endless cycle of striving, and it’s time for a change. A pause. True rest.

I’ve been committed to blogging weekly for a few years now. But seasons have changed greatly and I’m running at a different pace than I once was. I have seen my rhythm of study and writing interrupted more than I’d care to admit in the last couple months. Shame and condemnation enter in, and I know that’s not from Jesus.

I started 2022 with the thought that the blog might look different this year, but I didn’t take time to explore it. And now I’m feeling the weight of it.

I believe it’s time to remove the pressure to perform. To make space to be present. To embrace identity in this season. To spend time with worthy. To prepare for new rhythms. To begin to write again out of the overflow, not for the sake of a weekly post.

To get there, I need to pause from the blog and most social media outlets. To focus on recovering real rest and returning to my First Love.

If you know me, you know I appreciate discipline. But I’m choosing self-compassion over self-imposed to-do lists. I’m choosing courageous obedience. I’m giving myself permission to rest. If you don’t care for your soul, who will? It’s time to partner with the Father in this sacred, holy work. To learn to let go. To be okay with boundaries.

So goodbye for now, for one month or three; I’m not entirely sure. I am excited to apply what I’m learning from “Rhythms of Renewal” including Sabbath. To spend quality time with God and my family. To figure out how to better balance work and home. And to come back to the blog healthier and stronger.

Keep running the race Jesus has marked out for you. Throw off every single thing that hinders you and trips you up, every burden and every lie. Fix your eyes on your Heavenly Father; don’t look to the right or the left and start comparing. And practice the pause; it’s okay to take breaks. To walk. To rest. To be carried. To run. To be free, to be loved.

This won’t be easy, but I’m trusting it will be worth it.