Rest for the Weary Workin’ Mama Soul, a 7-Day Devotional by KeNosha WhiteheadSample

Day 5: The Path of Rest

Soaring at about 36,000 feet, I sat in the middle seat of the standard three-seat configuration in the nosebleed section of the plane’s main cabin. In my lap was my fidgety five-month-old son, who playfully wrestled with my gray and white paisley-print nursing cover, bound and determined to fully expose what otherwise had been a carefully covert breastfeeding session. In the seat to my right was my three-year-old daughter, whose disruptive curiosity about her tray table could not be kindly curbed despite the many gadgets and snacks accessible to her. And to my left was my sweet and supportive husband, taking controlled deep breaths to manage his mild aerophobia.

We were traveling from Mississippi to Orlando so I could serve as corporate legal counsel at an important meeting for a global Christian mission organization. However, due to my toddler’s severe separation anxiety and my infant’s vehement preference for nursing over bottles, the entire family had to accompany me on this nearly week-long work trip that, unfortunately, did not even allow time for a pit stop at Disney.

The reality and demand of that moment and the moments soon to come heavily landed on me. What was I doing? Did I really believe God had called me to and graced me for a full-time career and motherhood? More importantly, who was I to think that I could do both with any degree of appropriately prioritized conviction, let alone with competence or, dare I say, with confidence?

I was utterly exhausted. I desperately needed something more than a good night’s sleep. I needed true, holy rest for my weary workin’ mama soul. And the path to rest was surprisingly obvious—renewing my mind in God’s Word.

Listen. In every moment of mayhem that is being a workin’ mama, there is an app, I mean, a verse for that. Seeking out and meditating on scriptures that speak volumes of faith, hope, and love to my spirit have paved the path to the meaningful and abiding rest I ached for when inferior options for a nap or spa day were scarce, or, let’s face it, non-existent. Practically, for me, renewing my mind in God’s Word has looked like popping in one earbud to listen to scripture passages during a wild Monday morning routine. Or, on the drive from a challenging work meeting to the daycare pickup line, renewing my mind in the Word may look like executing a quick Google search on my phone for an encouraging verse about peace on which I can meditate.

Regardless of your method in the madness, we can be reassured that the Word of God is unchanging, and its infallible truth cannot be shaken or stirred. So, when life is lifin’ in your workin’ mama world, you can wholeheartedly rely on the Holy Scripture to faithfully lead you along a path to rest.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when my soul feels restless or troubled?

When I am overwhelmed or faced with challenges, do I instinctively turn to the Word of God for my rest and refuge? If no, what do I turn to, and why?

What practical methods can I implement to renew my mind in the Word of God, particularly during challenging or stressful working mom moments?