The fast-paced life we’ve become accustomed to just seems like it’s the way things will always be. While it is true that our fast-paced world and demanding work schedules and family responsibilities may not slow down for years, self-care is still very important.
We may not realize that even the Bible itself mentions self-care a little bit. This goes beyond showering and fixing our hair, although those are important things too. It is necessary for our minds to have a time to rest. Emotional and mental stress affects us more than we might realize. When our minds are exhausted because of so many things that need done, we will experience a change in our actions. Many times, we will become short-tempered or lacking quality in our work. It isn’t our intention to change our behavior, but that is what happens when we aren’t taking time for ourselves.
That may sound selfish, but it isn’t really. In one of the stories in the gospels, Jesus instructed the apostles to rest. Mark 6:31 tells us, “And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
When we are busy in life, and additionally busy about the Lord’s business, we’re going to get tired. That includes the times when things are going great! Jesus and his disciples faced many people who wanted a chance to hear the Savior’s teachings and who wanted to be touched in some way by the Master. Even so, rest was important.
Friends, all of us need to find a few days to lay our busyness from work and extra activities aside. The world will go on without us, and our return will benefit everyone by our renewed minds.
Let us take a few days to just enjoy our families we’re working so hard for. Let’s allow some quiet and peace in our day for the Lord to renew our minds and to speak to our hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
We come to the Lord when we initially want to surrender our lives, but we need to return to Him time and time again. Not in the sense that we’ve walked away and turned back to a life of sin, but when we know our strength is failing, and we know where the source to recharge is.
When we have taken the time to be renewed by the Lord, it includes our renewal of joy, peace, love and compassion. Our desire to work for Him or our appointed positions are met with greater zeal. Our minds are clearer to handle the current issues, and more.
In all we do in this life to live well and care for others, let us not forget to also take proper care of ourselves. The act of self-care is a benefit for everyone!
