11-05-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 5, 2023
Today, we continue our look at self-care, and as you can imagine, I have been doing a lot of preparation to convince people of the importance of self-care. With that said, I chuckle just a bit, as I have never met anyone who argued against it. I think all of us will give at least good lip service to the importance of taking care of ourselves. Yet, as we will discuss today, there is a necessity when it comes to being deliberate, purposeful, and even forward-thinking. I talk with people quite often about the importance of funeral arrangements, even though it can feel a bit odd to discuss and plan what other people are going to do with what remains of you after you are done with this body. Not only does it help to prepay, but being very specific helps to eliminate the possibilities of fighting and guilt-driven overspending by those who are grieving. It is a gift that we can give to our families while also being an act of self-care, as there won’t be questions or worry in regard to your wishes as you approach the end. But again, it cannot be done theoretically or vaguely. There needs to be clarity and intentionality and specificity. Thinking ahead, even when something appears far into the future and procrastination feels ok, we need to pause and ask how we can care for others, and in doing so, care for ourselves.

Sometimes denial feeds our procrastination, which provides cover for our denial. Give us both the courage and resilience, Generous God, as we think about how best to prepare for a future we only sort of know. Thank you for all that is accomplished today and helps bring peace tomorrow. Amen.