“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Summer is the typical time people take vacation. It is a period designed explicitly for rest and relaxation. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him. By prioritizing self-care, we become refreshed, allowing us to seek God’s peace and restoration.
The daily grind takes a toll on us. The barrage of emails, text messages, and input from outside sources makes us feel like a worn-out sponge. Soaking up the information and then regurgitating it at that moment or another time. Sooner or later, you will dry out and fall apart.
Reflect on Your Past
To better understand your current state of mental health, consider the following:
Did your childhood teach you good self-care?
Were you able to speak your mind without retribution?
How did your parents take care of themselves?
These questions will reveal your history and your story.
In your story, you can go back and rewrite it. Rewrite the story so you won’t feel guilty when you are not working. Take time to kick up your feet and just relax. Enjoy your family for who they are because you want to, not as an obligation.
Action: Spend 5 minutes thinking about your childhood. Answer one question by writing or typing it out. Build on this each day until you feel you have answered each one adequately.
Verbalize Your Needs
Learning to verbalize your wants and needs is vital for good mental health. It does take practice. So, think about starting this summer! But first, you will need to list what these are. Then, you can reflect upon them. It is essential for good mental health. You can start by asking yourself:
Do I need more alone time or social time?
What activities do I like to do alone? What do I want to do with other people?
What resources do I need to live a balanced life?
Action: Spend another 5 minutes thinking about your childhood. Write down whether you needed more alone time or social time and list one example to support your answer. Then spend another 5 minutes thinking about the present. Build on this each day until you feel you have answered each one adequately.
Consider Others
When we rest and refresh, we strengthen our relationships with others. Empathy allows us to connect deeply, promoting a sense of community. By understanding and valuing the perspectives of others, we can offer support and kindness in meaningful ways. This balance between self-care and caring for others enriches our lives and helps create a kinder, gentler world.
Imagine the ripple effect: when you take time to care for yourself, you are better equipped to care for those around you. Renewed energy and a positive outlook can inspire others.
Action: Think of one person you can reach out to this week and offer a kind word or run an errand.
The next time you question whether you need to work late, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” That should answer your question.
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I and Thou Reflections 