Thriving Spiritually in Busy Times

I couldn’t stop thinking. Just one more thing to do, then I could finally relax. But that moment never came. Life was moving fast as a wife, mom, employee, and pastor’s wife. I was constantly in motion, doing good things, but slowly losing connection with the One I was doing them for. Then came the moment that forced me to stop. In a rush to finish laundry, I slipped on the stairs and fractured my ankle. Suddenly, I was sidelined—physically and spiritually.

In that stillness, God spoke.

I had become so busy for God that I wasn’t making space to be with him. I asked myself: Had I confused doing for God with intimacy with him? Was I bearing fruit from abiding—or striving on my own? That injury became a turning point. Slowing down gave me space to listen again. It reminded me that ministry isn’t about carrying everything; it’s about staying connected to the One who does.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 says, “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs but seeks to please the commanding officer.” It hit me—I had gotten entangled. I wasn’t suffering as a faithful soldier of Christ, but under the weight of expectations and distractions that pulled me away from the mission he gave me.

Yes, we’re called to be faithful soldiers. But we’re also daughters. God doesn’t just want our service—he wants our hearts. And that kind of heart connection only comes from staying grounded in him. It reminds us of who we are and whose we are. When we’re not anchored to him, we react to everything around us instead of responding from a place of peace and purpose.

What helps me stay grounded? Having a plan. Randomly flipping through Scripture just doesn’t work for me. I ask God what I need and pick a book or theme to focus on. From there, I’ve built a simple morning rhythm—just a few quiet minutes to read, pray, and journal. That small habit has made a big difference. May I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to show you what works for you? Focus on deepening your relationship with the Lord and finding rest in him, rather than getting caught up in rules or pressure. He cares more about your heart than your checklist.

Tessa serves alongside her husband, Michael, who is the Associate Pastor at New Breed Church in Louisville, Kentucky. As she walks with God, she’s reminded of His faithfulness, knowing everything he does is purposeful and prepares her for what’s ahead. She’s served in both small and large churches—church planting, directing VBS, leading in youth and women’s ministry, and coordinating events and speakers—while also working outside the home and raising two kids.

Encouraging other ministry wives is close to her heart, and she loves creating space for honest conversations, mutual support, and helping them grow in their calling.

Having been recently introduced to NEWIM, I’ve been deeply encouraged by the warmth and sincerity of this community. As a pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader, it means so much to connect with other women who truly understand the joys and challenges of ministry. NEWIM has already given me fresh encouragement, space to grow in my walk with the Lord, and the reminder that I’m not alone—there’s always support, prayer, and friendship here.