When Rest Feels Harder Than Hustle This Season.

I told myself I was on a break until New Year’s. I really meant it, too. But here I am, jumping in to share a quick thought—because, let’s be honest, slowing down is harder than I thought it would be.

It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Just slow down. Be present. Sit in His presence. And I do—I rest a lot, more than I probably give myself credit for. But there’s something about Christmas that keeps me in constant motion, even when my soul is crying out for stillness.

It’s like that final stretch of a marathon, the one where every part of you is screaming, “You’re almost there!” but also, “I can’t do this anymore.” That’s Christmas for me. The culmination of an entire year’s worth of busyness, emotions, and effort, all wrapped up with twinkling lights and high expectations. It’s beautiful, but it’s also exhausting.

For a girl who thrives on “go, go, go,” hitting pause takes more than intention. It takes effort—a strange paradox, doesn’t it? To rest well, I have to remind myself constantly: Stop. Breathe. The world will not stop turning if you slow down.

And I love that God knows us better than we know ourselves. I think He knew, when He asked me to rest this season, that it would be a deeper act of trust than anything else—trusting that He has my back, especially when I feel the overwhelm I’ve placed on myself to serve others constantly. But He also knows that I can’t just sit. The mind is always going, the feet not far behind. And yet, in His kindness, He meets me here, gently reminding me that I don’t have to carry it all.

He knows you too, lovely one. He knows the weights you carry, the invisible to-do lists in your head, and the pressure to be everything to everyone. And He sees the deep desire of your heart to serve Him well. The beauty is, He doesn’t ask us to do it all. He simply asks us to be with Him.

And yet, there’s a gentle invitation woven into this season. It whispers, Come and see.

Come and see the baby in the manger. The one who left His throne in heaven to be with us—not to hustle us into perfection, but to offer peace. To say, “Stop striving. Stop running. I’ve got this.”

But here’s the truth: even Mary and Joseph had their frantic moments that first Christmas. There was no room at the inn. A laboring mother in a barn. It wasn’t picture-perfect. Yet in the midst of it all, there was Jesus—His presence bringing rest, even in the chaos.

Maybe that’s the lesson for us. Rest isn’t about perfect stillness or a flawlessly clear schedule. It’s about recognizing that the Prince of Peace is already here, in every moment. Even when we’re scrambling to find the pause button, He’s right there, inviting us to lay it all down at His feet.

So if you, like me, are struggling to fully embrace rest this Christmas, take heart. God isn’t measuring your ability to be still; He’s simply asking you to be with Him. And the best part? You don’t have to slow the world down to find Him. He meets you right where you are—whether you’re running at full speed or finally catching your breath.

Let this Christmas be one of surrender, not striving. One where rest isn’t a task to check off but a gift you unwrap in the company of the One who came to give us life.

Take a deep breath, friend. The marathon’s almost over, and there’s grace to carry you to the finish line.

Love Sarah x.

*Have a beautiful, Jesus filled Christmas! I’m actually slowing down and trying to rest this season, so I’ll see you all in the New Year! Thank you for showing up and sharing, commenting and just being an amazing support here. I’d love you to pray about becoming a paid supporter and joining the Little Sparrow Loved Crew, but it’s totally optional and I truly appreciate you turning up anyway you can!