Evening Rhythms of Rest
Gathering the family around the table to catch up from the busy day is one of our daily anchors here in the Morris home. The table is set with whole, nourishing food that fuels both body and spirit. Laughter and conversation fill the air while we all catch up with each other and enjoy the stories, small victories, and sometimes the frustrations that come from a hard day out in the world. It's as season I treasure greatly having adults to littles still living in our home.
Once the table is cleared and the dishes are done, we begin to wind down from our full and productive day spread out over various commitments and activities. Our dinner clean-up isn't a rushed, chaotic scramble to the finish line—it's a deliberate slowing, an intentional pace to end the day. Once the kids finish their chores, my husband and I are left finishing the dishes in a quiet kitchen where we can catch up and enjoy each other's company.
Out my kitchen window, I see a stunning show most nights. The sun sets in a masterpiece of color, brushing the sky with the Creator's artistry. It's in these moments that I can relax and appreciate the fruit of our labors. Evening can either be a frantic rush or a slow and simplified close to the day. Over the years, I've found that choosing slow and simple is not about personality or preference—it's about intention. I've learned to set my day up so that when the sun begins to set, I am ready to enjoy this daily rest with my family.
The Biblical Pattern of Evening First
In Genesis, the day begins with evening:
"And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day."
God designed the day to start with rest, not work. It reminds me that I don't have to squeeze productivity out of every hour until I collapse into bed. Our bodies were made to work in a daily rhythm. We are not designed to burn the candle from both ends. The evening is not simply the leftover scraps of the day—it's the beginning of the next one in God's design.
When the sun sets, I see it as my cue to lay down the labors of the day and enter a time of refreshment for what's ahead. By 5:30 p.m., when my husband pulls into the driveway, my work is mostly wrapped up. Evenings are our time to reconnect as a family, to share stories from the day, and to linger together over dinner. That simple act of eating together has become a sacred anchor in our home life.
Lighting & Atmosphere
As the days grow shorter and the sun sets earlier, I love to have a cozy glow of soft lamps and flickering candles. I often play quiet instrumental music in the background, setting the tone for calm.
It's not just about creating a pretty environment—although beauty is certainly a blessing. It's about shaping an atmosphere that signals to every person in our home: You are safe here. You can rest here.
These little touches matter. They teach our children that home is a haven, a place where burdens lift and hearts can be at ease.
Family Connection Touchpoint
After the evening chores are complete, we gather the children of all ages again before bedtime for a short time of reading Scripture together as a family. This gathering is our second anchor of the evening—another rhythm that quietly weaves truth and connection into our home. Sometimes it's a single passage, a chapter, but it's always a pause to listen together to the Word of God. We discuss, we ask questions, and sometimes our younger children snuggle in close as we read.
Practical Preparation for Tomorrow
A peaceful morning is often born the night before. In our home, that means having a tidy kitchen, clear counters, and the dishwasher running before bed. It's one of my non-negotiables. I've learned that starting the day with a clean kitchen sets the tone for everything.
Most days, my afternoon routine ensures the house is in order before my husband arrives home. But if needed, we'll do a quick tidy-up together after dinner. My husband often steps in to help—sometimes even taking over completely if he sees I need to rest. Waking up to a clean kitchen gives me a burst of energy and peace instead of a sigh. It's a gift you give to yourself and your family.
Personal Wind-Down
Once the house is still, I take a hot shower to relax and clear my head. I'll often rub lavender essential oil into my feet and start the diffuser with a blend of orange and lavender—a soothing combination that signals to my body: It's time for rest.
Then I climb into bed with a good book. Reading before sleep helps my mind transition away from the busyness of the day and into stillness. These small rituals, repeated night after night, have become deeply healing. They're not just habits—they're the gentle bookends that close one day and open the next.
I've also made it a habit to put my phone away around 7:30-8:00 p.m., sometimes earlier in the winter months. Limiting blue light after sunset has helped my body prepare for better sleep, but even more than that, it keeps me fully present. Not everyone in my home follows the same pattern, but this simple choice has been life-giving for me.
One Gentle Step for You
Tonight, choose one small change that will help you rest from your day and prepare for tomorrow. Maybe it's turning on soft music during dinner, or lighting a candle. It could be putting your phone away earlier. Perhaps it's simply gathering your family for a quiet prayer before bed. Whatever it is, let it be a step toward creating an evening that nourishes your home and points your heart toward the One who gives proper rest.
Because peace in the evening doesn't just happen—it's cultivated, one intentional choice at a time.
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Thanks for dropping by today! I hope you found encouragement for building a peaceful home. If you know another mom who might benefit from what you've learned here today, be sure to share this post with her!
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