Today is Day 16 of Resetting the Rhythms of Life, and I would like to continue refocusing our attention on what we do to take care of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Yesterday, we focused on sleep. As you recall in the first week, we entered into a spiritual rest in the Lord. In a way, these two types of rest go hand in hand. We need both. And when we enter fully into the rest we need, we are going to feel better, have more energy, be more attentive, and have the capacity to focus.

Self-Care 101

The other day, someone asked me, “What do you do to take care of yourself, to relax and recharge?”

This question stopped me in my tracks, because I didn’t have a good answer. To be completely honest, I had to admit this is an area I really need to work on.

I know that self-care is important, but for whatever reason, it is something I move to the bottom of the list. I look at all the things that go undone, that feel overwhelming, that seem imbalanced, and I think to myself, “You have no business getting a massage, listening to a podcast while knitting, or even going to the chapel for an hour to pray.”

And yet, I would never tell a friend who feels weary and overwhelmed not to take care of herself.

So why am I different? Why wouldn’t it be good to take an hour to relax and rest?

Again, I don’t have a good answer. Yes, self-care is something I need to work on. Do you, too?

Scripture Reading

Take a few moments to quiet your heart. Breathe in and out.

Read today’s Scripture verse.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20

After reading the verse once, read it one or two more times.

What stands out to you? A word, feeling, thought …

Journal Prompt

What do you do to take care of your body, mind, and spirit? If you are indeed a temple of the Holy Spirit, as the Word of God tells us, what do you do to care for yourself well? Do you view self-care differently, when you think about it as glorifying God’s temple?

Make a list of 10 things you could do to take better care of yourself. Include simple things as well as more indulgent things. Bring these to your prayer time, and see where the Holy Spirit leads you. He will show you what is most restorative for you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for choosing to dwell within me … for loving me so much that You want to rest within my soul. Lord, forgive me for not always taking care of the dwelling place which we share. This body that You gave me is the only one I have, and I know I need to treat it carefully. Not only for myself, but also for You to have a peaceful place to dwell. And when I am rested, I can refocus my attention on the things that matter most in my life. Bless me, as I continue to work on resetting the rhythms of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is part of a 31-day series on resetting the rhythms of life. To read more about this series and see each day’s posts, click here. Photo: Unsplash