When I Quit (But Not Really)

Have you ever felt like your heart was locked up tight, and you just didn’t want to let anyone in? Sometimes past hurt or just the weight of everything can wear us down more than we realize. Even as a Christian, I’ve had moments where I emotionally slammed the door shut—without even knowing it.

I remember one particular day when I hit my wall. I was a young mom, juggling all the things—laundry, cooking, cleaning, trying to keep up with life. Our boys were about 7 and 10 at the time, and I had just been going and going with no break in sight. I honestly don’t remember exactly what triggered me—maybe something one of the boys did or something Chuck said—but I snapped.

I turned around, looked at Chuck, and said, “I quit.”Yup. Just like that.

He was stunned. The boys were shocked. I marched over to the couch, plopped down, turned on the TV, and let the moment speak for itself. I didn’t budge.

Chuck asked gently, “Are you quitting me?”“No,” I said. “I love you, and I’m not quitting our marriage.”“Are you quitting Jesus?”“Absolutely not—I LOVE Jesus.”

Then he asked, “So… what exactly are you quitting?”And I honestly didn’t know. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything the way I had been.

That moment was a wake-up call. I realized I had neglected the one thing I needed most: time with God. So for the next week, I hit pause. I prayed. I read His Word. I gave myself permission to rest and breathe. And as I did, something started to shift. I created a slower, more sustainable rhythm. I felt peace again. But it took stopping to get there.

That season taught me a few things I still hold onto:

1. It’s okay to stop and reevaluate.

Is what I’m doing still working for me—and more importantly—for God?

2. Write it out.

When my heart is heavy or overwhelmed, I grab my journal and filter my thoughts through Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

3. Do something fun and creative.

I need change to feel alive! Sometimes that means journaling outside or getting messy with paints at the kitchen table. God meets me in those joyful moments too.

4. Let go of what’s not essential.

Even just for a season. For me right now? I’m not going to Disneyland as often. (I know—hard to believe, right?! HAHA!) But saying “no” to some good things has helped me say “yes” to what I truly need.