There is a Message in the Mess
Have you ever planned for a moment of peace, only to find yourself in the middle of an unexpected mess? That’s exactly what happened at the Blessed Rest Retreat, where I had the honor of slowing down, reconnecting with God, and embracing the sacred gift of REST.
Hosted by my dear friend JJ in the heart of the woods at Postcard Cabins, this retreat was intended to be a serene escape. But then—uh oh, uh oh… I can’t stand the rain! (Singing in my Missy Elliott voice). It rained, turning the paths to our tranquil seating under the starlight into rivers of mud, compelling us to embrace the discomfort. Yet, amidst it all, God whispered a powerful truth:
Every woman in attendance embraced the rain with grace and resilience. We seamlessly moved our dinners under the tent, and the rich, faith-filled conversations continued to flow, deepening our connections as sisters in Christ.
You see, Jesus Himself often retreated to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Matthew 11:28 reminds us of His invitation: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Even science supports this! Studies indicate that intentional rest lowers stress, enhances mental clarity, and strengthens our ability to hear God’s voice. Rest isn’t solely about physical renewal but also spiritual restoration.
3 Ways to Embrace Rest (Even in the Mess)
Surrender the Chaos – Just like the rain at our retreat, life’s messes can be unexpected. Instead of resisting, ask God, “What are You teaching me through this?” My beautiful friend handled this like a champ. Instead of allowing it to disrupt her peace, she let it be. She was prepared with a backup plan for the backup plan because sometimes life requires a pivot and the best thing you can do is surrender it all to THE ONE that controls it all.
Prioritize Sacred Stillness – Whether it’s five minutes of prayer, a walk outside, or simply breathing deeply, create daily rhythms of rest. JJ is such a great example of honoring stillness and she shared her expertise tips on learning the proper rest for your personality type. This was such an eye-opening activity. I loved learning about the type of rest I need.
Trust the Process – Mud may be messy, but it also nourishes growth. Think about the lotus flower that literally grows in mud. Rooted in murky, messy waters, the lotus rises above the dirt, unfolding into something breathtaking. It doesn’t fight the mud; it uses it as nourishment for growth. Your season of discomfort may be preparing the soil for something beautiful. Remember, God is using it to grow something beautiful in you.
A Heart of Gratitude
JJ, thank you for creating such an intimate and Spirit-filled retreat. Your heart for women and your obedience to God’s calling made this experience a powerful reminder that even in the mess, God is moving.
Your Invitation to Rest
So, when was the last time you truly rested—not just physically, but deeply in your soul? I invite you to carve out time this week for sacred rest. And if you’re ready to experience a retreat for yourself, join us in Cabo this summer! Simply click here to find out more: Crown Up in Cabo.
P.S. Know someone who needs this message? Share this post with them—because confident people inspire confidence in others! 💕
