I’m glad you’re here! I send this weekly email out as a way to pause in our days and take a deep breath together. I hope it’s a bright spot in your inbox. If you’re not already, you can subscribe below and never miss an issue. Thanks for reading!
Due to some upcoming family travel, next week there will not be a newsletter. I’m going to take a week off and practice what I preach here about resting well and enjoying these summer days!
The day comes to a close and between washing my face and settling into the covers of my bed I try to name what I’ve accomplished in the day to account for how tired I feel. There’s the everyday tasks but nothing that sticks out in particular. However, I then remember the title of an article I read a few months back, The invisible work of motherhood.
When I begin thinking about the invisible work of the day I nod my head realizing there’s a lot that’s been done that doesn’t translate to a task list. The invisible work of this day looked like thinking through a project, reaching out to a hurting friend, internally sorting out thoughts from the news reports, planning how to make a birthday special for my child, listening to another child meltdown while managing to keep my calm through it, and honoring the work of marriage when you both feel grumpy.
Each of us carry invisible workloads that we don’t name or acknowledge. Often, it’s this invisible work that is most draining and emotionally taxing. Another term used for this is “cognitive labor”. These mental decisions, feelings, and problem solving thoughts use our energy in ways we usually don’t account for and then wonder why we’re so tired or overwhelmed.
Being aware and naming this hidden work is valuable in bringing restoration and replenishment. When we identify the invisible work our souls and minds are engaged in each day we can be gentle with ourselves and others. When we realize our mental and emotional workloads we can better manage our expectations and responsibilities to make room for the invisible work of being human.
You put energy into thoughts, feelings, and work that you may never name aloud to others but even naming it to yourself gives some confirmation of its role and place. Some of this cognitive labor can be unhealthy if left unchecked so it’s good to reflect and take stock of what invisible work we are giving energy to in our days.
May we find rest this week from some of the invisible work we do. May we lean into the promise that we can trust God with our burdens and worries. And may we not be afraid to ask for help when the labor is hard.
A Practice
Name your invisible work, the things that take up mental space and energy but may go unseen.
Meditate on these verses and invite Jesus to be with you in this invisible labor of being human.
Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy with laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)
I love hearing from you! Does the idea of invisible work resonate with you? What are some of the things in your invisible workload? Share in the comments or hit reply to this email. Thanks for reading! - Lindsay