Whether it is in an electronic device, in an agenda or in our mind, we all have a long list of things to do, the interesting thing is that most of the time our needs are in the bottom of this list or maybe not even in it. Do you take time to do the things you enjoy or are you so busy taking care of everyone else that there is no time left for you. If we are not taking care of ourselves, sooner or later we may not be able to take care of anyone else, or we may do it, but with the wrong attitude and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my life to become a long list of chores; I want to be able to enjoy every single thing I do.
We have been called to be witnesses, to be full of joy and to be a reflection of God’s light, but how can we do any of these if we are tired and overwhelmed. We have not been made to barely make it day by day; “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
If we are not good to ourselves, how can we be good to anyone else? I am sure you understand what I am talking about… I am not saying that we need to forget about people’s needs and just focus on us; I am just trying to remind you that there is a balance.
Have you read Proverbs 31? I am sure you have heard about this woman who may be a little annoying because she just seems too perfect. I have always wondered where does she get the time to do all the things she does. To be honest, If I read the passage quickly I get a little stressed because I am not doing half the things she is doing, but if we read carefully we can see that “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.” (Proverbs 31:25-26) Maybe we are wasting too much time worrying about things we can’t control. Maybe we are not laughing enough because we are too busy to have fun or too proud to be a little silly. Maybe we are spending too much time talking about what we shouldn’t or maybe we want to control everything and we don’t accept the help of the people around us. It is not about what we are not doing, it is about enjoying everything we are doing. Life goes by too quickly to be wasting precious moments.
So how can we enjoy our life more? I believe it is all common sense, and I am sure you already know the answer, but may not realize it because you have been… too busy!
· Time with God - I think the most important thing is our time with God. We need God to renew our strenght daily; When we feed on God’s Word, when we believe His promises and know He is in control there is no reason to worry or fear “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
· Proper rest and good eating habits - How many nights have you spent worrying or thinking about all you had to do the next day? “I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.” (Psalm3:5) And how many meals have you skipped because you simply had no time to eat? “Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you.” (1 Kings 19:7)
· Have fun – Often take the time to do what makes you happy: dance, sing, take a nap, go out with friends, and enjoy life. “David danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14); “Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.” (Psalm 5:11)
In the Book of Esther we read how this young woman ended up saving the Jewish people, but before she could do it she had to take time only for her and prepare “Hagai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments” (Esther 2:9)
Let’s make sure each day we devote some time to us, so we can enjoy the time we dedicate to others as we carry out our mission in life.
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