Ever have one of those days when your carefully crafted to-do list gets blown up by 10 AM? When you’re no longer in control of your calendar, and by noon, you realize that several checkmarks just aren’t going to happen?

Or one of those days when you suddenly feel your age? Oh yes—I’ve had them too.

When we moved to Kansas, we were fortunate to have professional movers help with the heavy lifting—loading, unloading, and even getting things upstairs and into the basement. Then a week later once my husband and son headed off to their new jobs, I stayed behind to tackle the unpacking and make our new house feel like home.

I made great progress in those early days. Each night, I collapsed into bed utterly exhausted but satisfied. Then, about two weeks in, things changed.

I began to have trouble walking up the stairs, especially if I was carrying something. My right knee—which had been a cranky companion off and on for the past decade—decided to make its full protest known. It was painful. And it wasn’t letting up.

I was so close to being finished—boxes nearly gone, pictures going up on the walls—but suddenly I couldn’t keep moving. My body forced me to stop. Even worse, I noticed swelling in my right foot. A hidden injury I hadn’t even realized—likely a broken toe—joined the party. Now I had a wrapped knee and a wrapped foot and an unplanned seat on the couch.

And that’s when the real unpacking began—not of boxes, but of my heart.

I had spent two months pushing through the logistics of moving our family from Texas to Kansas—packing, organizing, coordinating, and settling in. I hadn’t stopped. Not really. And now that things were nearly done, could I allow myself to rest?

That forced pause gave me space to reflect. Sometimes when things don’t go as planned, it’s worth asking: Is God trying to get my attention? Do I need to slow down temporarily? Reorder my priorities? Tend to something internal instead of external?

That day on the couch ended up being a blessing in disguise. I was reminded that no matter how detailed my calendar or determined my work ethic, God’s timing and wisdom are far better. He knows when I’ve pushed too hard. He knows when my body—and soul—needs rest, even when I refuse to admit it.

Sometimes what looks like a interruption is actually divine protection. Or preparation. Or invitation.

Even with the pain, I could see the grace in it.

Jesus invites us in moments like these—not when we’re strong, but when we’re weary and worn out. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” He says in Matthew 11:28 (NIV). “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.”

Whatever you’re navigating today—be it pain, disappointment, or an unexpected detour—know this: You don’t have to carry it alone. God is present. He’s working through it, even if the only thing you’re “accomplishing” is resting in His care.

Journaling Prompts

1. When have I experienced an interruption or slowdown that felt frustrating at the time—but later revealed God’s care or redirection? What did I learn in that pause?
2. Jesus invites the weary to come and find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28–30). What areas of my life feel heavy or overwhelming right now? How can I give those burdens to Him today?

Disclosure: Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV):
Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan