We live in a fast-paced world. We are constantly rushing from one thing to the next, constantly working through our to-do list and trying to keep up with everything that needs to be done. Are you tired? Worn out? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? Give yourself permission to stop. Get off the treadmill every now and then and rest, truly rest. Self-care is something we have all heard about but rarely do well. But as the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
What have you done lately to fill your cup? For me, it’s my daily walk in nature, my prayer time, sitting for 5 minutes with a cuppa, reading for half an hour when I go to bed. Just little things, but those little things make a big difference. They can also be the first and easiest things to let go of when we become incredibly busy, but that is the very time we need them most!
I recently completed a Mental Health First Aid course and in this course they stressed the importance of self-care. They point out that self-care is engaging in activities that revitalise us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Importantly, self-care is not selfish. It is looking after ourselves, so we are better able to look after others as the need arises. We are no good to anyone if we are falling apart. Jesus is our example in all things, and even he took time out to rest. He spent his days in unselfish giving to others. In order to sustain this, we are told in the Gospel of Luke, that Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to rest and pray. So when was the last time you stopped to truly rest? This is what Jesus is inviting you to do, to find rest in Him:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Mrs Kelly Morton
Assistant Head of Primary
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