By Denise Wanamaker

During my forties, I completed two years of ministerial training, attending classes September to April, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to Noon. Then I headed to my full-time job for another eight hours. Church attendance. Ministry responsibilities. Daily homework. Saturdays packed with chores and collapsing into whatever rest I could find.

Every weekday evening after the office emptied out, my boss came to “chat” for an hour. That was his way of winding down. Meanwhile, I still had actual work assignments, a commute, dinner to figure out, more homework, mail to address, housework, and a life waiting for me at home. I was constantly pushing my body and emotions far past empty.

During that same time, I traveled out of state to support my parents. My mother’s health was declining, and my father was under pressure. Spiritually I was growing and thriving. Physically and emotionally, I was exhausted.

Fast food and quick snacks became survival. My health paid for it. I gain significant weight during that season because exhaustion had me choosing what filled me quickly instead of what fueled me properly.

That is the truth of a woman trying to do everything…and paying the cost.

One day the dean of the program gave me a piece of wisdom that changed everything: learn to rest on the run.

Life will not always give you time to stop. Sometimes you are required to serve, show up, and keep moving. Rest on the run means honoring your wellbeing in the middle of all your responsibilities.

It means choosing moments within the motion.

Lessons I Learned:

1. Speak up when a demand becomes a drain. I should have told my boss that hour-long chats were not sustainable.
2. Receive the help you freely give. A year earlier I prepared meals for someone in that same program. I could have asked for that same kindness.

How to Rest on the Run:

1. Pray, meditate, study the Word daily even if only in short bursts.
2. Keep your body healthy through hydration, nutrition, exercise and good sleep habits.
3. Protect small pockets of peace, laughter, fellowship, fun and nature as non-negotiable.
4. Give yourself breathing breaks throughout the day.
5. Ask for help before you fall apart.
6. Delegate whenever possible.
7. Release the guilt and honor your limits.

Rest does not require you to quit. It requires you to prioritize the one life and one body God entrusted to you.

You can rest on the run and still finish strong.