So I've been thinking about this concept of "self care" for awhile and I just don't know what to think about it. I hear people talk about needing "me time" and it's kind of off-putting for me. I'm probably over-reacting due to my history with Brian, a self care junkie. But when I read my Bible I find a lot of stuff about self-denial and taking up my cross. And I see Jesus spending time alone with his father, but I don't remember ever reading about Jesus taking a spa day. Can you imagine? "I'm sorry. I know you've been suffering with this terrible affliction for years, but I'm taking a day off from miracles today. I just need to practice some self care. I'm sure you understand."
Now I know it's not fair to expect people to live at that level of self-denial. Jesus was God after all. But I am called to be Christ-like, right? Don't get me wrong, I take time for myself too. I admit that I get a monthly massage and sometimes I tell my kids, "no, I can't read you that story cuz I'm really into this People Magazine." There are days that I feel like I'm going to scream if I hear, "mom will you get this, do that, help me NOW," one more time. But being a mom has forced me to grow up and put my needs and wants aside. Motherhood is teaching me what "dying to self" is all about. And I like being a grown up. In my experience, going to God to fill my cup works much better than shopping therapy.
I just wonder if we are getting too focused on self care rather than giving of ourselves. Is this an idea that comes from God or from the world? Are we deceiving ourselves? Is someone else deceiving us to distract us from the life giving work that we could be doing? When I stand before my maker is he going to pat me on the back and say, "you did a really good job of taking care of yourself"? Doubt it. But on the other hand, God recognizes the importance of rest. Maybe we just need to take the idea of Sabbath more seriously? What do you think? I'd love to talk about it.
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