Simplifying Your Schedule Without Losing Your Creative Spark
Friend, can I be honest with you? October always sneaks up on me. One moment I’m pulling out my cozy sweaters, and the next I’m staring at a calendar that’s already filling with holiday events, sign-ups, and to-dos. And let’s not start the argument of when to put up the Christmas tree. If you’re anything like me, you feel that tug. You want to say yes to everything. After all, we love to create, to serve, to pour into others. But before long, all those yeses start to squeeze the joy right out of the season.
Jesus knew we’d struggle with this. That’s why His words in Matthew 11:28 feel like a warm hug: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He’s not asking us to push harder or juggle more. He’s simply inviting us to come. To breathe. To lay down the heavy load and let Him carry it. Hallelujah!
Here’s what I’ve been learning: when we give ourselves permission to slow down, we’re not losing anything. We’re actually gaining space for the things that matter most. That margin lets us enjoy our families, savor the creative spark God has given us, and tune our hearts to His voice.
Simplifying doesn’t mean you stop creating or loving people well. It just means you let go of the extras so your best yeses have room to breathe. Maybe that looks like saying “not this year” to an event or focusing on one project instead of three.
I don’t know what your calendar looks like over the next few months, but can I encourage you to pause and really look at it? Ask the Lord, “What can I release so that I can rest in You?” Every no you say to the unnecessary is really a yes to peace, to presence, and to the creativity He’s planted inside of you.
And you don’t have to do it alone. We’re walking this path together, learning to breathe a little deeper and live with more soul, less stress.
Let’s reflect:
What one commitment could you release this season to create margin?
Where can you intentionally make room for rest in your weekly rhythm?
Remember:
Simplifying makes room for God’s peace and your creativity to flourish.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to say no when I need to, and give me courage to create margin. Help me remember that my worth is not in what I accomplish, but in being Your daughter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you really want to double-down on how to manage the precious time He’s given us to do all the things, I highly recommend Jordan Raynor’s book, “Redeeming Your Time.” (affiliate link)
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Regina is a writer, former homeschooling mom, and owner of a comfort food catering business. A contributor to several publications, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting about God’s goodness with women.
