Carrying Less Into the Weekend

By the time Friday arrives, most of us are carrying more than we realize.

Unfinished conversations.
Lingering decisions.
Moments we wish we had handled differently.
Questions that don’t yet have answers.

Leadership has a way of doing that. Ministry does too. The work doesn’t neatly wrap itself up by the end of the week, and the weight can quietly follow us home if we’re not paying attention.

This week, that reality landed a little differently for me.

On Thursday, I walked out of the office knowing I wouldn’t be back on a regular schedule for a couple of weeks. No standing office hours. No familiar rhythm. It felt surprisingly surreal—mostly because I’m not sure I’ve done that in quite some time.

Stepping away has a way of revealing how tightly we hold our roles and responsibilities. It exposes the quiet belief that if we pause, things might stall—or fall apart.

And yet, Scripture reminds us of something freeing: God neither slumbers nor sleeps. We do.

That’s not a flaw. It’s a gift.

Rest is one of the ways we practice trust. It reminds us that the Kingdom is not built on our constant effort, but on God’s faithfulness. The work continues—not because we are present, but because He is.

I’m still learning to notice what I’m carrying and decide what doesn’t need to come with me into rest.

Not everything unresolved needs immediate resolution.
Not every concern requires one more turn in my head.
Not every responsibility is mine to hold without pause.

As you head into the weekend—and into a slower season for some—it may be worth asking a simple question: What could I set down, even briefly?

Faithfulness doesn’t require exhaustion.
Rest isn’t disengagement—it’s alignment.

I’ll be stepping away from regular office hours until January 5, grateful for the space and trusting God with the work that continues.

Don’t worry—God still has a few things rolling around in my head that I’m committed to putting words to here. But more importantly, be kind to yourself. If you’ve been given the opportunity to slow down, receive it as an invitation, not a weakness. Allow yourself the space to truly rest.

Carry less this weekend.
God is already at work.