Several years ago, I was heading into the most important and most stressful work situation I had ever faced. I knew it was coming, so I sat down and made a plan for staying sane: Take a break for exercise every day, even if it means going back to the office late into the night; get quality time with a friend, even if it’s only on the phone, at least once a week; sit down with the Bible at breakfast (because I never skip breakfast).
I made it through that year, and in doing so learned the immeasurable value of self-care as a discipline. And it IS a discipline. “Self care” is often seen as synonymous with indulgence, but it can be hard work to set aside everything else and do the things that keep us well and whole.
I was reminded about this (the hard way, of course) during the events of January 6th. I stayed glued to the screen all evening, knowing I ought to take a break for my own good but unable to drag myself away from the horrible scenes replaying over and over on the screen. I did not take deep breaths, or go for a walk. I’m not even sure I prayed until sometime around 2 am, as the futility of attempting sleep became clear. The next day, I was a wreck, snappish and short with others, and the fact that my miserable condition was entirely predictable made it no more bearable for those who had to deal with me. It was a stark reminder that the command to love my neighbor as I love myself is relatively useless if I totally fail at loving myself.
But as always, Jesus shows us there’s another path* – one that leads, however briefly, away from all of the demands on our time and attention. We get a precious glimpse, between a busy night of healing and a long day on the road, of Jesus stepping away to be restored. We see Jesus loving himself as he will love his neighbors in the hours ahead.
The world is a needy place, and I think more than ever it needs people committed to loving and healing the way Jesus did. But if we are to keep our hearts open, our minds engaged, and our bodies serving, we must tend to them. The one who loves us shows us the way.
–Erica Lloyd, Seekers Church
Questions for reflection:
- What things keep your body, mind, and spirit well?
- What helps or hinders your efforts to do those things?
