nurturing our own hearts

Every day there are many demands on women...schedules, children, work, home and  for some the list is shorter for others even longer.  Depending on our age and stage of life.  But I don't think there is ever a time where we do not need to look after ourselves.  If we are not well spiritually, mentally or physically we are unable to function to our full capacity.

One of my best learned lessons of the past few years has been to take care of myself.  You see I have a chronic illness, causes me chronic pain and fatigue.  I have had no choice but to learn how to slow down...pace myself and say no...sometimes to things I really want to do.

So what does that look like...firstly we need to look to our Lord, Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  We need to develop a long lasting deep relationship with our saviour.  We need to take time out of our busy life and make time for one who loves us more deeply than we can ever imagine or feel.  Think about that, think of someone you love dearly...your mother, daughter, friend, husband now take that feeling and double it...even just once and that doesn't even come close to matching how God is feeling about you right now.

We need to spend one on one time with Him...praying, reading...listening.  Can you imagine if someone you love dearly didn't take time to be with you every day?  If you went days, weeks or even months without time with them?  Yet it is so easy to put off our time with God, to say I'll read my bible later or I have this really great novel I want to finish first...or perhaps a quick prayer when something comes up like a hello tossed over your shoulder when you run into someone downtown.  Can you imagine the hurt you would feel perhaps even it would put a wedge between you and your loved one.  But not God, he is still there waiting patiently, lovingly for you to just sit quietly for a few minutes with Him.

So what is really holding you back?  What keeps you from spending time and showing your love to the one who loves you unconditionally, is always right there when you call?  Could you look at your busy calendar and just schedule a daily appointment, rendezvous or meeting with your saviour, just 15 minutes or maybe even 5.  Starting a new routine is hard but once established it becomes a way of life, He deserves it don't you think?

Until next time, God bless
Karen