Stop striving and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10, NASB

One challenge I faced daily as a working mom of three little children was attempting to feel refreshed by my short alone time at the end of each day. I’d think, Now that the baby and little ones are tucked into their beds, should I turn on a movie or scroll social media? I’d often stay up way too late, looking for rest, but never finding it. 

It’s taken years of maturing and our girls getting older to find a little more predictable downtime and to take that downtime to a deeper level—a place of true rest, a place of meeting God, a place for change.

Our school recently scheduled a professor from another university to visit us and host a seminar on Josef Pieper’s Leisure: The Basis of Culture. Unfortunately, the weather on the East Coast prevented her from visiting us. But fortunately, I began reading Pieper’s book anyway. So far, the takeaways have been life-giving. 

I’ve begun spending more time in silence. Time that is open to the Holy Spirit and time to hear God. I also like to spend free time learning through podcasts or audiobooks. Those are not bad things and are one good way to spend leisure time. But I’ve truly learned that carving out intentional quiet time to ponder and listen for the Lord is such a blessing. I encourage you to refresh your soul today!

Lord, give me the courage to make space for silence—not as empty time, but as an opportunity to meet with You. Refresh my weary soul, renew my mind, and help me recognize Your presence in the stillness. May my times of rest draw me closer to You and transform the way I live, work, teach, and love. Thank You for being my refuge, my strength, and the One who gives true rest. Help me slow down enough to know that You are God. Amen.

Copyright Ashley Rombs.

Ashley is a Christian Educators member and currently teaches in the School of Education at Regent University.