The Unexpected: Finding Rest and Trust in the Midst of Chaos

Life can surprise us in the most unexpected ways, can’t it? I thought I knew what “busy” felt like—I mean, don’t we all, right? Juggling work, family, errands, projects… there’s always something that needs doing. I’d been feeling off for a while, but I brushed it off as “just one of those things.” Sound familiar?

Then, in the midst of this “normal” busyness, my body stepped in with a louder reminder. I ended up in the hospital unexpectedly, and let me tell you—it was a wake-up call I didn't see coming. A mini-seizure. Just like that, everything stopped, and all those “urgent” things suddenly faded into the background. As I lay there in the hospital bed, my mind was flooded with worries, but even more than that, there was an overwhelming feeling of peace.

In that moment of stillness, I felt the Lord with me like never before. He was my anchor when everything else felt uncertain. You see, the signs were there, the gentle whispers telling me to slow down, take it easy, listen to what my body was trying to say. But I ignored them. I was too busy striving, thinking if I wasn’t moving forward or ticking off tasks, I was somehow failing. The reality, though? I had it all backward. It’s not the hustle that sustains us but the rest we find in Him.

This unexpected hospital stay has opened my eyes to something crucial—true rest. I’ve learned the importance of being still, of not pushing myself to exhaustion. There’s a time for hard work, absolutely, but there’s also a time to trust God with what’s beyond our control. We’re not called to be in constant motion. We’re called to do our best, work diligently, and then trust Him to handle the rest. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we end up in situations where our bodies decide for us. Mine certainly did!

So now, I’m learning to lean into rest as much as I lean into work, to prioritize what really matters, and to trust that I’m exactly where I need to be—whether I’m moving or standing still. God doesn’t need my constant striving. He just needs my faithfulness and my trust.

And here’s my encouragement for you, too: listen to the gentle nudges your body gives. You don’t have to be everything to everyone, and sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply let go. Take a break, slow down, and let God be your anchor. You’ll find that even in the unexpected, He’s got you, always and completely.

With all my heart, hoping you find the rest and peace you need,

Yvette