There are times in life when every day feels like a battle. The road is tough, the climb is steep, and the burden is heavy. And there are times when we are tempted to throw in the towel.
Maybe you are feeling that today.
It is in those moments we search everywhere and anywhere for encouragement.
I was recently touched by a simple line from a simple poem. The verse, written by Edgar A Guest is simply this:
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
You can read the entire poem here.
But that one simple phrase leaps off the page. It is needed because it is a powerful, but gentle nudge to never give up, to never quit. To keep going, even when the going gets tough.
And we all need to be reminded of it from time-to-time.
If these are words that you need to hear today, I want to offer them to you.
Our most meaningful work in life will always be difficult. No matter what the quick-fix industry and self-proclaimed experts want to tell you, there is no easy way to achieve the most fulfilling pursuits that truly matter in life.
The most significant matters in ours lives will always require our fullest attention and resolve. There is no coasting towards the things in life that matter. All important goals require work.
Because of this, this journey of life requires not just the courage to start but the perseverance to keep going, every day, especially through the toughest trials we face.
Sometimes we need to rest, to catch our breath, to regroup, and that’s okay. Sometimes that is the most important thing we can do. What’s important is that we get back up, we keep moving, and we never give up.
If you need encouragement today to keep working and striving, rest if you must, but don’t give up.
To the parents watching as their child takes a path they hadn’t hoped for… rest if you must, but keep fighting for what’s best for them—and always continue with your love and your prayers.
To those wrestling with health challenges… rest if you must, but never give up on yourself and the opportunity for health or impact still in front of you.
To those caring for a loved one as they near the end of their life… rest if you must, but keep serving faithfully and finding joy in every moment you can while together.
To those working to change your lives for the better…. rest if you must, but know that breaking old habits and behaviors takes time, attention, and renewed discipline every morning.
To anyone who is trying to pick up the pieces of their life shattered by someone else… rest if you must, but find hope in knowing there is still a new and brighter future ahead of you.
To anyone who is fighting for a better world, for justice, kindness, and change, your path is essential. Rest if you must… but know that your efforts create ripples of change that extend far beyond what you can see. So keep believing, keep advocating, keep fighting.
To those of you working to create a new culture for your home and family… rest if you must, but don’t quit. Set the example, celebrate little wins, and know the change is worth the effort.
Simplifying our lives by removing distractions—whether it’s excess stuff, unnecessary commitments, or negative influences—can make our journey a bit easier. But it can never remove all burdens and obstacles.
We all face hard times, we all feel weighed down at moments. But we also all have the opportunity to persevere. Your efforts, your struggles, and your resilience inspire more people than you know.
You are not alone.
If you need to find encouragement in your life today, I hope you find it here. Because we are all cheering for you.
Rest if you must, but don’t quit.