Who Feels Like She Cannot Handle One More Thing

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

I WONDER IF SHE KNOWS WHO I REALLY AM.

Those words popped into my head as soon as I saw that the PTO president had sent me a text, asking if I would be the room mom for my younger son’s class. I just couldn’t take on one more thing, and I wanted to be honest about it. In the past, I might have tried to fit it in anyway. I would have hoisted one more thing up onto my shoulders and struggled under the weight of it all. But nearly fifteen years into parenting, I knew my limits and told her no. My actual reply was something along the lines of “I don’t have the capacity to add that to my schedule this year. I do appreciate you thinking of me.”

Truly, in the past seasons of motherhood, no one would even have thought of me as someone who could handle the extra responsibilities of being the teacher’s parent helper. No one would have assumed I’d be helpful in organizing class parties or taking on extra tasks. Why not? Because for most of my early motherhood, being the “hot mess momma” was my local identity.

I could just imagine the thoughts of the teachers as I flew into the building, dropping off one of my kids: Here comes Becky Thompson. Late as usual. The truth is, I wanted a different identity. I wanted so badly to have my life in order. But what I lacked in order or preparedness I made up for in grace toward myself. That was one thing I did have control over while so much of my life and mental health was beyond what I could manage.

See, I knew what was taking place outside the view of those around me. My family and close friends knew what we were working through in that season. They knew the pain that wasn’t shared publicly, the loss, the struggle. They knew of the sickness and unease of our hearts. Those closest to us knew the full story. I was more than the momma who was struggling, but I needed grace until this season ended. The Lord saw it all and helped us day by day. There is not one thing He can’t handle.

Momma, some seasons are just harder than others. Sometimes the challenges that unfold around us come continually one right after another. But the Lord doesn’t ask you to hold everything on your own. He offers Himself...

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

He has heard your prayer for help, and the Helper, the Holy Spirit, has come. Don’t overlook the gift of His strength to carry you through this season and meet each one of your needs.

Tonight we pray for the momma who feels like she cannot handle one more thing. Lord, her arms are full, her mind is full, and her emotions are overflowing onto everyone around her. She needs a reprieve. Tonight, Lord, You hear her heart crying, “Help!” You listen as she asks that something would give. Lord, You meet her even here. Give her the chance to breathe. Help her find a moment of rest among all the demands. Supply her with exactly what she needs.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

God, thank You for hearing my cries and giving me strength. Please help me with . . .