Dorothy’s phone buzzed again—another message. Her friend Trish was asking to catch up for lunch on Saturday. She glanced at her calendar, already filled with her children’s end-of-year events, work deadlines, family catch-ups, and her commitments at church. When had life become so chaotic? 

Maybe Dorothy’s life sounds familiar. As the year draws to an end, many of us are running on empty. Although our days are filled with so many good things, we’re often left feeling frazzled, burnt out, and far from the peace we long for. We wear our busyness like a badge of honour as if being constantly on the go somehow proves we’re successful in work, relationships, or life itself. We tell ourselves that staying busy is just part of the deal and that we have to keep pushing through, but deep down, we know something isn’t right.

Lucky for us, we have a God who sent His Son to live in the same world we do, one full of busy schedules and endless demands. Jesus understands the weight of our to-do lists because He lived it, and He shows us how to navigate it. Even in the midst of busy ministry, Jesus often withdrew to spend time with His loving Father. If He needed this, then how much more do we? Yet, in our own busyness, the first thing to go is often our quiet time with God. 

But God knows that no matter how tirelessly we work if we don’t have Him at the center, our efforts are in vain. In Mark 6:31, Jesus sees how overwhelmed His disciples have become, and says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” It’s a simple but powerful invitation: to step away from the chaos and just breathe. In a world that tells us we always have to do more, Jesus is saying, “Pause. Find peace in Me.” 

Taking time to rest isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Without rest, we burn out and lose sight of why we’re doing all the good things in the first place. As this season grows busier, pause a moment. Take another look at the to-do list on the fridge. What’s important, and what’s standing in the way of you taking a breath and allowing God to refresh your soul?

Jacqueline Newell, Primary School Pastor