We're All In This Together

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (NIV Luke 14:28).

I was raised to always be a willing servant. I was also raised to go above and beyond in everything I do. I love the values I was raised with. However, I sometimes forget that I need to take care of myself first. Not in a self-centered way but God’s way. I need to make time to spend with my creator, giving Him first place I my life. Before I go out to save the world I have to save myself by going above and beyond for myself. This method helps me to feel like I’m not alone and we’re all in this together. I'm no expert keyboard player, but I'd like to think of us as interdependent like the keys on a piano. No single key is more important than the other. When played together in harmony, something beautiful is produced.

The scripture Luke 14:28, discusses the need to plan finances for material things. This application can be used to prioritize how we are to deal with caring for ourselves before burning out taking care of others. Being selfless is admirable. Yet, I can’t do give all of myself away if I have nothing to give. I must ask if I’ve given God the first fruits of my life. I also have to ask if I’ve given myself enough love, care, nourishment, rest, and prayer.

Lately, I haven’t done so, and the result has left me feeling incomplete. That incomplete feeling led me down one of the deepest self-loathing spirals I have ever been in.

For almost two weeks, I questioned whether staying alive was beneficial anymore. I’m still working my way out of that spiral. I’m learning to fund my personal value. This way I can effectively manage my mind, body, and soul in a way that allows me to honor my upbringing without compromising myself in the process.

Dear Lord, please hear me when I call on you. I sometimes struggle with caring for myself. Will you help me? Bless our time together so I can be strengthened. Help me to fill up my tank by being with you and recharging my batteries. This way I can better pour into others. Thank you. Amen.

What about you? What’s your self-care process? Do you have one? Do you have any advice for others who struggle with downward spirals? I’d love to hear from you. Because like keys on a piano, we’re all in this together, right?