I read a quote this morning that I’ve had on my mind all day. It said, “It is not selfish for you to do what’s best for you.” Think about that. As a wife, I care about what Steve needs and wants. I usually want what he wants because pleasing him makes me happy. As a mother, there were many nights when I collapsed in bed only to be woken up a few hours later, and though I probably griped at the time, there was no way I wouldn’t be there, if my girls needed me. As a Gammy – well, you all know that that boy can have anything that he thinks Gammy might have. Again – when he’s around – he rules because oh, how I love hearing him say, “I love you, Gammy.” Some of you may be in the position where you have parents who now need your attention, and you are honored to be there for them as they were for you. It may be our bosses, co-workers, or even church family that demand our attention, but. . .
We need to remember that we can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves first. It’s kinda like the stewardess’ demonstration before your flight takes off. They demonstrate that “in case the cabin loses pressure, put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and then, help the child or older person who is with you.” What good would you be to someone else in need, if you pass out in the middle of everything? I grew up hearing that the only way to have “JOY” is to put “Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.” I beg to differ. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus was asked, “Which is the great commandment of the law” Jesus said unto them, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law, and the prophets.” From this passage we find that loving the Lord with all of our being should be first and foremost in our lives. But – the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. We have to know how to love ourselves, in order to know how to love our neighbors.
We have to take care of ourselves mentally, socially, and physically. We shouldn’t feel guilty for saying “no” when that’s what is best for us. I was told by a very smart doctor once upon a time, “Your family deserves you to be the best you can be!” Taking care of yourself is an act of love for those that you love. It’s not selfish for you to do what is best for you! God Bless, Courtney
Selfishness is a horrible thing; especially when one lets it get to the point they are willing to harden themselves and expose others to harm in order to achieve their own agenda, whatever it may be; tangible or intangible. That’s why we must have the ability and willingness to empathize with others or as the old adage goes, being willing to “Walk a mile in the next man’s shoes.”
That’s why the Bible says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” in Romans 12:15. As Christians we MUST be compassionate and empathetic toward our fellow man. Remember the old J.O.Y. acronym…Jesus 1st, OTHERS 2nd, and Yourself last.
Very good!!