Dare to Care… For Yourself

I recently boarded a plane. Before we took off, the flight attendants instructed us on the safety precautions. Flying terrifies me… probably because I have no control over the outcome… but that’s for another post. ☺️

I listened intently, just incase I have to jump out of the plummeting aircraft, I would like a chance of survival. One thing they said stuck out to me. “If you need to put an oxygen mask on your child, make sure you put your’s on first”.

What?! How dare they. My children are so precious to me. I have to make sure they are protected first.

But then it hit me… I cannot help them if I’m losing consciousness. I immediately realized how applicable this is in our day to day lives.

I love my children so much. They are my life. They are naughty, sinful little goobers sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade them for the World. I opt not to work because I do not like being away from them. And when I do work, I do it for my family. I am theirs while they are awake. I mop up messes, runny noses, and defuse arguments. I dress kids, prepare dinner, and teach them. And have I mentioned laundry? The never ending, ever growing, mountain of dirty clothes. Truly a result of sin – for it was only after their disobedience that Adam and Eve were clothed – ergo; laundry is a punishment for sin.

I am constantly pouring into everyone else’s lives… but in so doing, I am draining myself.

This kind of behavior will not be very sustainable. Inevitably, all the ceaseless whining, colds, and arguments leads to a very crabby momma bear. In other words – I lose my temper. All of that pressure builds, like a ticking time bomb. Like Russian roulette, not knowing what will set my stress level over the top.

This would happen, over and over. I remember, a couple years ago, going to my closet and hyperventilating. This was about the same time I started having anxiety attacks. How could all of my efforts to care for my family lead to such unhealthy responses? Wasn’t I being selfless, putting everyone else’s needs before mine?

Over time, and with the help of a godly and wise counselor, I have learned that, just like the flight attendant had instructed, I cannot care for the needs of my children, unless I first take care of my own.

Believe it or not, there is a way to have an unwavering peace and overflowing joy, in all circumstances. It is not found in stores. It is completely free, and at your fingertips. The first and best way to feel equipped and fully ready to handle anything that comes, is through God’s work and power inside of you.

The Bible is packed with promises to help in any and all times of crisis and need.

For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Deut 31:6)

He [God] gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isa 40:29-31)

I feel the most rested and at peace when I quiet myself and let God lead. I have to stop trying with my own strength and give God the opportunity to work in my life. He gives us more promises to be the strength; our rock in times of need:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matt 11:28-30

-Cue my tears- 🥲

How awesome is that? Rejoice with me. What a huge comfort and literal weight lifted off our shoulders. This is what our God wants to do; is waiting to do for each and every one of us! Jesus begins by saying, “come to me”. He never forces us to do anything. He will not take over our hearts and lives without our request.

What peace and joy should corse through us with these realizations. We do not need to leave on a vacation to experience rest. We do not need to leave the confines of our house. Wherever you are, God is also. He waits, eagerly, for you and I to come to Him, for it is through Him, we will find rest.