Self-care

   In this age, the word self-care is a huge topic. Our lives have become so busy. The constant movement of advancement, all information at our fingertips, oh the one more load of laundry. All of these things have to lead to a need for time away from it all. Time to reflect, time to heal, time away. As Christians we can see this as a sabbath as well. Yes, we all need time to be still, be quiet, to reconnect with ourselves? Or is this a call to reattach to the vine? All through the bible, there were times when the Israelites were moving along life loving God and others and then becoming so absorbed by the world around them they were caught up in sin, straying away from God. Then in His mercy, he would "call them back to himself". Sometimes this was through an angry group coming to attack and God calling his people to come back, repent and allow Him to win the victory. Sometimes they would turn back to God and He always won the victory. At other times they would try to do it on their own just to have a big defeat which then lead them back to God. No matter how it went God still called His people to himself as he saw them being led astray by this world. This repeats itself over and over and over again in the Bible. You would think we would all learn our lesson and stay connected to the vine. But in our human nature, we tend to be easily swayed by the world and worldly desires, and thus God does still call us back. His people are important, He created us to do His will and when we turn away He will always send out a call for repentance. So, with this, I have been thinking.....

   Where are we today? God's children all over the world, are we in a state of total surrender to God, or are we being called again to turn back to God? In a world of busy lives not having enough time in the day... Are we doing as God has called us or are we focused on our view? My momentary thought is if the world is crying for self-care what kinda self-care is God calling for now? Being created by God to do His will - what does Self-care look like to us? Do we need time away from it all or do we need more time with the one who CREATED it all? Taking time to ourselves is not a bad thing but I wonder if we have given into the thought of putting ourselves, flesh,  in a place above the importance where God calls us? He created us for worship and to do as He calls us. He said the first will be last and the last first. He said to be a servant is to the greatest. If we have the mind of Christ what does worldly self-care really do for God? We all need time of quiet relief but I am challenged by the idea that if we are created by God to love others what self-care might look like to the world is completely the opposite of what God had in mind. I have been hearing a call from God to create a sabbath as my self-care. 

   What will that look like? Well, it may start as a daily devotional instead of phone surfing, might be a walk and being prayerful as you wander around your neighborhood, sitting quietly while singing a worship song to God, or reading the bible asking God to speak to you and lead you. These are quiet and take time to recharge but with an added focus on reconnecting with God. There may be active reacharging moments too such as seeing a neighbor and stopping to chat with them asking God to help you encourage them, helping out when it might feel like another thing but God is saying servanthood is our true and fulfilling calling. I know I struggle in servanthood being an act of worship for me. Our time is so valuable and energy low but Paul did say when you are weak then you are strong. I do believe that if we listen God is using us all through our day, we just need to be still and listen.  These are just a few areas I am finding I need work and a refocus!  This list is my list of new ways to purposely incorporate God into my day to keep my mind focused and allow Him to recharge my batteries! What else does this God-centered self-care look like to you?