What Caring for Everyone Else Taught Me About Finally Caring for Myself (Biblically, Slowly)
Photo by Jirasin Yossri on Unsplash
For years, it felt like my life was a well-oiled machine, powered by my own endless supply of "yes" and fueled by coffee. My daughter, work, household, church commitments – they all received my full attention, my best efforts, my deepest care. And honestly, it felt good, in a fulfilling but utterly exhausting way. I wore my busy-ness like a badge of honor, proof of my love and dedication.
I’m guessing many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. We’ve been there, right? Giving your all to raise a wonderful daughter who is now finding her own footing, navigating a demanding job, and making sure everything runs smoothly at home. It’s a lot, and often, the last person to make it onto the priority list is… us.
The turning point for me wasn't a sudden revelation, but a series of quiet nudges – sometimes from the Lord, sometimes from a particularly persistent headache. I started to understand that continually pouring out without ever truly refilling wasn't sustainable, nor was it how God designed us to live. It struck me that caring for the temple He’s given me isn't selfish; it's an act of good stewardship, a way to honor His creation. It's not about being indulgent, but about having the energy and grace to continue serving Him and others effectively.
So, I started small. So small it felt almost trivial at first. Maybe it was an extra ten minutes with my Bible and a quiet cup of tea before the day truly began. Or saying "no" to one extra commitment, even if it felt a little uncomfortable. It wasn't about grand gestures or a week-long spa retreat – as lovely as those sound! It was about finding pockets of rest, moments of peace, and a gentle permission to simply *be*.
Right now, as the days stretch longer and the early summer blooms pop up everywhere, I’m reminded of how nature cycles through growth and rest. It’s a beautiful rhythm, one I’m trying to consciously integrate into my own life. It’s a slow unfolding, this journey back to myself, but it’s real and it’s rooted in grace.
If you’re still navigating the busy years, or even if your 'chicks' have flown the coop but the habit of self-neglect lingers, I hope you'll find your own small ways to honor the woman God made you to be. It won't happen overnight, but perhaps, like me, you'll find that slowly, gently, you start to bloom again.
What about you? Have you found your own way back to yourself, even little by little? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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