Motherhood and Rest: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

Shared by @joyfulmothers on Instagram.

You sit across from me, coffee in hand, and I can see it in your eyes—you’re so tired.

Not just physically tired, but that deep, bone-weary exhaustion that comes from always feeling like you’re running and never catching up.

You tell me how you can’t seem to keep the house clean, how the laundry and dishes are never-ending, how your calendar is packed, and you feel like you’re failing at everything – including being there for your family.

Friend, I’ve been there. I know that weight. Mothering from a state of rest can feel impossible.

But I also know there’s hope, and it starts with stepping back, rethinking what’s on your plate, and finding freedom in letting go of what’s not serving you or your family.

Let’s talk about how to find thrive and find rest in this season of motherhood. I know it can be hard, but Jesus doesn’t leave us without hope and I have a few ideas that may help you.

Find the Broken Systems

Rest is hard to do when you feel like you can never keep up with your home. This will be a little different for everyone – but if I cannot tidy a room in 5 minutes or less, there’s too much stuff in that room.

It’s been very freeing to donate the clutter and tidy my entire house in under 30 minutes!

How are your dishes and laundry systems? Do you have a flow that keeps things tidy but allows you to not feel like you are a slave to the kitchen or washing machine?

Reevaluate how and when you keep these basic housework chores done and you may find that there’s a simpler way.

For me, starting the dishwasher in the evening and emptying the dishwasher in the morning works great.

Also, I start laundry in the morning and fold in the evening. Find what works for you!

mothering and rest

Cut the Calendar in Half

Busyness is the thief of all good things. It’s also one of the biggest culprits of a stressed out and weary mom, struggling to survive.

How can you focus on what’s really important at home when you are hardly at home?

Now, it need not be said that we all have seasons in our lives of busyness that we cannot control. I’m not referring to that.

I’m talking about those activities, playdates, day-trips, sports events and sign ups, the parties, etc. Things that you can control. Are you packing your calendar too full?

When the events of 2020 happened and we all stayed home, something shifted in me in how I look at the calendar.

Suddenly, I found myself thriving, resting, and enjoying my family more! I was WAY less stressed staying home more than I ever had before.

It was then that I became absolutely devoted to keeping my calendar manageable for myself and my family. My husband even noticed a shift in my attitude and overall sense of well-being.

Have you ever stopped to think about how your calendar changes your home life? And moms, we really need to watch our kids with this, too.

You may have one social butterfly and one that’s a Hobbit. Being sensitive to their need to be home can affect so many things in their lives including confidence, peace, and behavior.

mothering from rest
A cup of coffee during naptime is one way I rest and reset my mind for the rest of the day.

Understanding Self-Care from a Biblical Perspective

Jesus modeled rest for us. He accomplished everything the Father wanted Him to do and still found time for rest. We should too.

When it comes to self-care, I like to remember the two main commandments: Love God, Love People.

I’m “people” too.

If I’m exhausted and frazzled, I’m not being the best version of myself for those God has called me to love and care for.

A dull knife is pretty awful in the kitchen, but a sharp one makes quick and excellent work of preparing an amazing meal.

If you find that you simply cannot rest, then the chances are very high that you are doing too much, or doing what God has not actually asked you to do!

Number the Days

If you’ve been a mother for any length of time at all, you know what children really do grow up before your eyes.

In a world filled with endless distractions, it’s easy to let precious moments with your little ones slip by unnoticed.

But when you intentionally set aside your phone, turn off the TV, and quiet the mental to-do list, you create space for connection and presence.

These fleeting years are a treasure—your kids don’t need elaborate plans or expensive toys, just you, fully engaged.

Whether it’s building forts in the living room, baking cookies together, or listening intently as they share their dreams, being present shows them they are valued and loved.

By choosing to savor these small, ordinary moments, you’ll create memories that both you and your children will carry long after their tiny hands have grown.

Silly moments with our children are precious!

Where are your Standards Coming From?

Remember when we talked about the calendar? When you start to pare down on the events of your calendar it can be so easy to worry about what people will think, or have a sense of Fear Of Missing Out creep in.

Oh friend, can I invite you to take ONE month of this year and devote yourself and your family to only having ONE activity a week or less?

I’d love for you to come back here and let me know what it did for you and your family. It can truly be a game changer for your stress, ability to rest and how well your family can connect.

The thing about standards is they are unreliable when they do not come from Scripture.

Your upbringing, your career, your family and even your relationship with your spouse can all affect your standards. But what does the Bible say about what God requires of us? Love Him and love people.

Your people come first. There’s a short season in your life, momma, where you’ll be completely immersed in raising kids. It’s okay to say “no” to standards that you feel are not what you are called to.

You Need This Book

Now, I could go into greater detail about this topic, but Gloria Furman has already done an excellent job with that. Let me tell you about a fantastic bit of encouragement you can put on your nightstand. Seriously, I’ve read this book at least four times!

Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full – Gloria Furman

Moms are busy―and they are looking for methods to manage the madness. From grocery shopping to soccer practice, running a household is exhausting work, sometimes making it hard for mothers to experience joy in the midst of the craziness of life. 

As a pastor’s wife and mother of four, Gloria Furman encourages women to refocus and reorient their vision of motherhood in this thoughtful resource for frazzled moms. Showing them how to pursue a vibrant and ever-growing relationship with Christ―even when discouragement sets in and the dirty laundry is still waiting to be washed―this book recasts the monotony of everyday life, showing how moms can treasure Christ more deeply no matter how busy they are. 

Sunrise
Enjoying the sunrise and a moment of rest before my children wake up.

The Next Step

Take a moment today to identify one area in your life that feels overwhelming—whether it’s a cluttered room, an overbooked calendar, or a chore system that isn’t working—and commit to simplifying it this week.

Write down one practical step you can take, like filling a bag to donate, saying “no” to an extra activity, or adjusting your daily routines.

Then pray over it, asking God for wisdom and peace as you create more space for rest and connection in your home.

You don’t have to do it all at once—just start small and trust that those small changes can make a big difference!

Get a copy of my free resource

Does Rest Seem Difficult?

Find simple tips to help you create a peaceful, balanced home without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re new to homemaking or looking for more harmony, these tips will guide you toward a restful, fulfilling routine. Simply sign up and get it sent straight to your inbox!

Conclusion

Embracing rest and simplicity in our homes and lives is not just about getting more done—it’s about creating space for what truly matters.

It’s about letting go of unnecessary clutter, both in our homes and on our calendars, and finding rhythms that bring peace instead of chaos.

As moms, we have a unique opportunity to model this for our children and to nurture a home where love, connection, and faith thrive.

Remember, God doesn’t call us to perfection; He calls us to faithfulness.

By re-evaluating our systems, slowing down, and keeping our eyes on Him, we can steward this season of motherhood well. These are the moments that matter, and they’re worth guarding fiercely.

Let’s savor them.

If you enjoyed this post, head over and read How to Encourage Strong & Healthy Sibling Relationships

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