Yes, prayer. YES, believe! But also–sometimes–a BREAK.

If you’ve been reading my blog this week you know that I’ve been really struggling.

I’ve felt tired. Overwhelmed. STRESSED OUT.

There’s a lot that can (and probably SHOULD) be said about this … some of it is a result of my oft-prayerless life (and my failure to practice other disciplines of grace).

Some of it is physical–I haven’t been to the gym since we lost the baby. No excuses! I was cleared to exercise after just over two weeks–so, you know, I just have to get back into the groove and “do it.”

Some of it is just life in a fallen world; faith’s fight against sin; the battle of unbelief!

But you know what else? Wednesday night, Fred said to me:

“Tara, just put Lili at the vet’s and kennel her for the weekend. Don’t try to speak at an event Thursday night AND get us packed for this trip to Wyoming AND get ready to speak Friday night AND take care of Sophia and me AND take care of a sick little puppy that will probably need not only your time, attention, and love–but multiple baths too. Just take her in. Drop her off. They will love her and take care of her and it will be one less stressor on you for a few days.”

And I did.

And he was right (of course).
Thursday was still a really, REALLY hard and stressful and busy day–but it was SO MUCH BETTER than if I had my sweet, but sick, little pup to take my effort and energy and time and emotion.

Did I need prayer? YES!
Was I called to believe the gospel? Absolutely!
 But it was also so good to just have some help and a tiny, teeny, little smidgen of a BREAK.

I pray that we will all be looking around our lives, our churches, our neighborhoods and asking: Who could use a BREAK? How can I serve? Can I be a little relief valve for someone? Because MAN! It sure is good to be on the receiving end of it too.

I have to leave the hotel here in Wyoming in just a few minutes to go and speak at this ladies’ dinner … and I still feel sad. SO sad. (Is it hormones? Just me–good ol’ oft’ sad Tara? Sin? Unbelief? Probably a combination.)

Please pray for me if I flit through your heart this evening.
I do SO want to serve well and love well and encourage/help these dear women!

Oh–and thank God for Fred, eh?
I can’t believe I get so snippy and impatient with him.
I know I could never deserve such a graceful husband.

Thinking of you all!

With love,
Tara B.