We all have those days. You know, the ones when we hit snooze far too many times, when we are frantically trying to find something we misplaced, or showing up to school to find there’s a test we had forgotten about. They are not fun days. On top of all that, we drag due to lack of sleep from the night (or month before) and doing anything more strenuous than watching Netflix seems impossible.

In my own life it seems like I am always playing catch up or struggling to plan ahead. Like many of you, I’m a doer. I love crossing items off my list and feeling a sense of accomplishment. It bothers me to sit around when I am an efficient multi-tasker.

While there is nothing wrong with being driven, there comes a time where Jesus is calling us to rest. And, by rest I don’t necessarily mean take a nap (although there is nothing wrong with that). We can best be fruitful when we are giving from the surplus of our prayers and charity.

Jesus invites all those who are running on empty to Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Recognize there is a deeper exhaustion

Being tired goes further than desiring sleep. While sleep is essential, we need to recognize how draining and demanding our busy schedule is. Time management needs to be a priority in our lives not only to complete our tasks, but to help us keep Christ as our focus.

Be still

The reality of our days are crammed with so many different things. It’s seldom that we take time to be still. Even when we are at rest our minds are usually still active and easily distracted by the constant texts or Instagram notifications. Christ tells us to be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). It comes to a point where we need to stop striving to do what seems like the next best thing, and just “be.” We need to make a point to carve out a time for silence in our day, a time where we can truly be still to encounter the one who loves us for just being.

Invest in friendships that fill you up

There are many people God has put on our path, some lift us up, and some may drag us down. We need to discern those relationships that we are being called out of as well as being open and available for new relationships. Authentic friendships are a gift from God. He created us to be in community. And when we are, we are most fully alive. Let’s allow the positive relationships to help fill us up.

When we continue to run on empty or halfway, we sell ourselves short and we don’t give 100% to our relationship with God. He desires all of us; whether we are running on empty or if our tanks have been full – we need to continue to seek him.