A few weeks ago, I used this space to tell you about my plans to incorporate some intentional time for myself my day. I said that I would keep you informed with my progress and... I haven't been so successful. The cello is still in the repair shop and I can't practice, my knee injury is taking longer to heal than I had hoped so stretching is just too uncomfortable for now. But I am spending time in prayer every morning - just sitting with Jesus! - and I find that this alone is a wonderful way to start my day.
At an evening meeting this week, we were asked what we were actively doing each day to take care of ourselves. As it turns out, we could all do a little better. Busy people, involved people often do not take the time for self-care - even if we need it the most.
Self-care isn't just a buzzword - it's also a spiritual practice, including in the Bible. Jesus did it frequently, retreating to quiet places for prayer and reflection, and calling for his followers to seek the relief they needed in a relationship with him. Practically, however, having the time and space to address our own needs often requires help and resources that aren't always available.
Life in the 21st Century brings
pressures from outside judgment and inner expectations but it also brings those small moments of beauty and victory when everything works, and we're buoyed by the kindness and care of others. It also shows what happens in the absence of that care, or our unwillingness to recognize how much we need it. From time to time we could all use a reminder of the reassurance we all need - from others, and from ourselves.
Jesus often reminds his followers how much he loves them and how much God loves them. That message is for us, too. Because we are loved, we can give love and that includes giving some love to ourselves.
Shalom,
Kathi