In the past three nights, I’ve slept over 30 hours. Now, that might not seem like a lot to some of you, but considering the fact that I normally get six or less hours a night – I feel like Rip Van Winkle who has awaken from a “long winter’s nap.” I’ve come to the realization this weekend that I’ve been neglecting someone lately – and that someone is ME! You know – when you get on a plane, airline staff go through the demonstration of what to do in case of an emergency. They stress that if you are traveling with a child or someone impaired, you should always put the oxygen mask on yourself first and then, you help the other person. You would be useless to the other person, if you passed out before you could actually help them. You have to take care of yourself first. This doesn’t mean that you’re being selfish. It’s actually the opposite. Many people depend on me, and there are days that it overwhelms me. But, I can’t be there for others, if I don’t take care of myself. Right?
This is actually a Biblical principle. Steve preached this morning on “Love Thy Neighbor,” discussing the parable of “The Good Samaritan.” The part that I couldn’t stop thinking about was when Jesus declared, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). We are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves! Do you talk to your neighbor like you “talk” to yourself? Do you show kindness to yourself? Or do you give others so much that you have little left over at the end of the day? Think about it – your family – your spouse deserve you to be the best that you can be.
And so, I plan on trying to be nicer to myself this week. I’ll try to drink more fluids, eat more protein, and go to bed a bit earlier. Oh – and I’m going to order more vitamins, too! God is good. Simply blessed, Courtney
AMEN!!