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There’s a very blurry line between caring for the needs of the people God puts in your life – and taking care of yourself. And honestly, it is something I struggle with. I’m the type to give all I have to give and then collapse and fall apart – and I’m convinced that is neither healthy, nor Holy.
Maybe it was how I was raised – maybe it is a misunderstanding of masculinity – maybe I’m just busted in the head, but for as long as I can remember I’ve been a hard worker. Not that hard work – or working hard is bad. In fact it is really good. Until a point. My problem is I never can tell what that point is until I’m well past it.
Do you also take on more than you can handle because it has to get done and no one else seems to be stepping up? That could be in family relationships – household chores – tasks at work – serving at Church – any number of ways and places. For me – I tend to throw myself at tasks to keep from being still – because in the stillness I have to wrestle with my own need for grace and patience and forgiveness.
The world has put a tremendous focus on self-care in recent years, to a fault. We are not called to live a self-centered life, but rather a servant’s life for Christ. That said, Jesus modeled getting away from the crowd – even from his friends and family – to rest in the Father. For some of us, that is even more uncomfortable than doubling down on serving, working or doing anything to keep from stopping.
Especially now, during this season of Lent, building up to the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, can I encourage you – and me – to be intentional about doing the hard work of not working.
Stop. Sit still. Confess. Cry.
Let the God who loves you so much He sent His only Son for you hold you close and fill you with His Spirit.