Matthew 11:28-30
I love reading newsletters. Other than books, it’s my favorite past time. Reading the ramblings of others who are a little farther down the road than I am.
And if there’s one thing in life I like to be, it’s prepared by wise people.
I recently read a newsletter by James Clear where he wrote, “Have the courage to eliminate.”
This tributary thought joins the 2025 theme-stream about avoiding burnout and rejecting hustle culture. If there’s one thing in life moms are always brushing up against, it’s burnout and hustle yall.
Here’s a few more thoughts I’ve jotted down this year…
When you start something new, take away something you don’t need anymore. Don’t keep piling up responsibilities.
Don’t live in a pressure cooker. If you know a stressful week or weekend is coming, schedule time to release stress and protect it.
Don’t forget to rest. And not the kind you see on Instagram. The “I’ve already cooked, cleaned, mediated sibling quarrels, and kept humans alive all day” kind.
“Burnout is the curse of the strong.” - Dr. Robyn Hanley-Dafoe.
Mamas, here’s the thing: Jesus never invited us to carry everything. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden.”
Not “come to me once you’ve finished the to-do list.” Nor “come to me after you’ve proven you can handle it.” Just… come.
In His economy, rest isn’t all about stopping; it’s about trusting too. It’s laying down the weight of being the one who holds everything together and remembering that it was never ours to carry in the first place.
The Lord made the heavens and the earth and the skies and the seas in six days and then he rested. Secure.
If you’re thinking about 2026 resolutions, don’t just ask what you want to add. Ask what you can eliminate or simply leave undone. Trust that your family and friends will love you anyway, and Jesus will too. His yoke is easy, His burden is light, and He is gentle and lowly of heart.
Merry Christmas. <3
Emily
Have more time? If you have Jen Haymaker’s Out of the Spin Cycle, her devotional #3 “An Extra Load (of Baloney)” speaks of Jesus’ yoke better than I ever could. I wrote about her book recently in my devotional, “No Rules.”
