Summer Rhythms of Rest: Creating Sacred Spaces with God

When Rest Feels Impossible

In our culture of constant connectivity and perpetual productivity, rest can feel selfish or irresponsible. How can we slow down when there's so much happening around us? When bills need paying, families need tending, and our hearts are heavy with the weight of uncertain times?

But here's what I'm learning: rest isn't a luxury for the privileged few. It's a divine design for every woman who feels stretched thin and weary. We were designed by God to rest!

Jesus himself modeled this truth. In Mark 6:31, when His disciples were overwhelmed by crowds and demands, He said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Even more remarkably, we see Jesus finding rest even in a storm. In Mark 4:38, while His disciples panicked about the waves crashing over their boat, Jesus was "sleeping on a cushion" in the stern. His rest wasn't dependent on perfect circumstances—it flowed from perfect trust in His Father. Whew!

Even the Savior of the world recognized that rest isn't optional—it's essential.

The Mother Who Found Rest in an Apron

If anyone understood chaos, it was Susanna Wesley. This remarkable woman in the 1700s faced financial instability, a difficult marriage, and the overwhelming task of raising 19 children (only 10 survived to adulthood). Her husband frequently left for extended periods, leaving her alone with the children—including one who was disabled and another who couldn't speak until age six. I couldn't imagine!

Yet Susanna discovered something revolutionary: she didn't need perfect circumstances to create sacred moments.

When life became overwhelming and she needed to pray, Susanna would simply pull her apron over her head. This became her signal to her children that she was talking to God and was not to be disturbed. Right there, in the middle of chaos, she created her sanctuary.

This simple practice sustained her faith and shaped her children's hearts. Two of her sons, John and Charles Wesley, would go on to transform nations through their ministry—John founding Methodism and Charles writing over 6,000 hymns that still encourage believers today.

Creating Your Own Summer Sanctuary

Susanna's story teaches us that sacred rhythms aren't about having the perfect environment—they're about being intentional with whatever we have. I asked myself, how can I find moments throughout the day with God that feel authentic? Summer brings schedule changes, so I had to change my rhythm. I am no longer in the school pick-up line journaling but instead taking my mornings and nights to be with Him..

This summer, what could your "apron" be? Here are a few suggestions:

Morning Coffee with Scripture: Start your day with five minutes of quiet reading before the household wakes.

Evening Walk Prayer: Take a brief walk around your neighborhood, using the time to talk with God about your day.

Technology Sabbath: Designate specific hours when phones and devices are set aside for family connection and rest.

Lunch Break Retreat: Even if you're working, step outside for ten minutes to breathe deeply and remember God's presence.

Sister, you don't need permission to rest. You don't need perfect circumstances or a week at the beach (though those are wonderful when possible). You need only the courage to pull your metaphorical apron over your head and remember that the God who holds the nations also holds your heart.

This summer, may you discover that sacred rhythms aren't about escaping chaos—they're about finding Christ in the midst of it.

Peace.....Raynika