I’m going to start this off with some raw honesty: I struggle with this, not because I don’t love to pamper myself (my garden tub sees lots of use) rather, it’s the struggle between the flesh and the spirit. Because my flesh loves attention. But, my spirit needs it in a completely different way.
I have the feeling that many Christian women struggle with this balance, and with even feeling the need for justification.
If we, as women, care for our families, our homes, our outside of the home responsibilities, our vocations, isn’t it only sensible that we should, indeed, make some time in there to care for ourselves? How can we give our Lord, our families, or anything else our best if we’re run-down and exhausted?
I don’t believe that self-care is unBiblical, and I do think Scripture is rife with wisdom on balancing your life. Naturally, if your spiritual walk is off-kilter, so everything else shall follow.
Jesus took time; He rose early to pray. He left the disciples to care for a crowd to pray. He prayed late into the night in Gethsemane, before the immense undertaking of His Passion. Not once is it recorded that Jesus complained about not having “me time.”
Paul served with a fervor I envy, and he did so by making God his first priority. Peter, too. Their writings in the New Testament are clarion calls to make God the priority.
So, Barb, you’re all saying (yes, I know you are!), what does this have to do with self-care?
Self-care begins with Him. With putting your worn and weary heart in His hands. Looking to Him for guidance on what food is best for your body and budget. Putting the 3 5K’s you’d like to participate in at the foot of the Cross and accepting the answer on to run all, some or none.
Putting our health in His hands is the biggest step in having time for our own self-care. It never fails that when I am up early, barely able to fumble through my Bible, but have worship as my priority I find time in my day for a 20 minute workout, sitting in the sun for 15 minutes, running outside with the grandkids, going for a walk with a friend, and, yes…even hanging out in my tub for a nice detox bath.
So, dear friend, spend time refreshing your spirit at His feet, and you’ll have time to care for the vessel that He created for you to reside in on this side of heaven. 💚
Till next time, be blessed!
Barb