SELF-CARE

SELF-CARE

Exodus 18:14-24

Come with me by yourselves

to a quiet place and get some

rest.  -  Mark 6:31

After my husband underwent heart surgery, I spent an anxious night by his hospital bed.  Mid-morning, I remembered a scheduled haircut.  “I’ll have to cancel,” I said, raking my fingers distractedly through my straggly hair.

“Mom, just wash your face and go to your appointment,” my daughter said.

“No, no,” I insisted.  “It doesn’t matter.  I need to be here.”

“I’ll stay,” Rosie said.  “Self-care, Mom….Self-care.  you’re of more use to Dad if you take care of yourself.”

Moses was wearing himself out serving alone as judge over the Israelites.  Jethro cautioned his son-in-law Moses:  “You will only wear [yourself] out.  The work is too heavy…you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:18).  He then explained ways that Moses could delegate his work and share his heavy load with others.

Though it may seem paradoxical for the Christian, self-care is essential for a healthy life (Matthew 22:37-39; Ephesians 5:29-30).  Yes, we must love God first and love others as well, but we also need to get adequate rest to renew our body and spirit.  Sometimes self-care means stepping away and graciously allowing others to help us with our burdens.

Jesus often slipped away to rest and pray (Mark 6:30-32).  When we follow His example, we will be more effective in our relationships and better able to give care to others.  

CINDY HESS KASPER

Dear Lord, refresh my spirit today.  Help me to bring balance to my life as I juggle my responsibilities.  Thank You for Your love and care.

Don’t try to do everything-take time to refresh your body and spirit.

INSIGHT

It is hard to imagine the complexity and variety of tasks Moses faced as he led the Hebrew slaves to freedom.  The Israelites had been gone from Egypt less than three months (SEE Exodus 19:1) when the load was already too great for one person to bear.  This prompted Jethro’s wise counsel that Moses share the load with others.  

BILL CROWDER

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace