11-11-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 11, 2023
Tomorrow, I conclude this little three-week look at Self-Care, and how, despite some people’s opinions, I do not believe it is selfish. Now selfishness, laziness, or irresponsibility can be disguised as self-care, but if what you are doing is not benefiting the whole self and ultimately the greater good, then I don’t believe it is self-care. Tomorrow, I am going to attempt to walk a fine line around the notion of responsibility and how there are times when the responsible thing might be to do something that others would perceive as irresponsible. There are times when it feels as if a quick respite from responsibility provides us space to clear our heads and approach responsible things better than we could have previously. Now let me be confessional and suggest that I have probably used self-care as an excuse when my real hope was nothing more than to avoid responsibility. So much of this requires some honest self-reflection and awareness, but also self-learning through grace. I think about Elijah the Prophet, who, after a major encounter with Jezebel, left him terrified, despite God clearly showing up for him. He runs away, eventually hiding out in a cave. Along the way, God provides physical and spiritual refreshment, and finally, in the cave, he is able to discern God’s voice in the silence. Some might call his retreat irresponsible or cowardly, but it put him in a better place emotionally and spiritually to be responsible moving forward.

Help keep me centered, Gracious God, for the good work of keeping my head and heart in the right place, even when that work might require a pause to recenter for the purpose of reengagement. I do this through your generous encouragement, O Lord, so I can be the best version of myself possible and bring that best version to whatever task you call me to. Amen.