Take Care 'a You- by Amanda Elder Silvers

I'm borrowing the title of this blog from a movie quote.  A movie, in fact, which has nothing to do with the topic at hand really other than it came to mind when I was considering how I self care and how important it is that we all take time to do so.

In "Pretty Woman" there is a scene where Julia Roberts is moving away and leaving her best friend Kit.  Kit gives her an awkward hug and says that she hates goodbyes.  When she steps away from Julia she tells her to take care- to which Julia replies, "Take care 'a you." 

In this fast-paced world in which we live I feel it is imperative that we all take a moment to do something good for ourselves.  We need to remember to feed our spiritual selves as well as our physical and mental selves.  We burn on all 4 cylinders and very often may run out of steam before we've finished our unending tasks for the day.  As a mother and a woman who has recently reentered the work force I see firsthand how easily the hours of each day can quickly trickle through our fingers.  It seems we get up and rush out the door in a flash and somewhere between breakfast and bedtime we're expected to accomplish every goal set forth that day.  It can be overwhelming.

One of my favorite verses in Scripture is "Be still and know that I am God." That exquisite verse is found in Psalm 46:10.  What a wonderful statement, but what a seemingly impossible feat most days.  Life can be so loud.  My life seems to sit on volume level 96.  It's challenging between kids, and life, and money most days to quiet myself long enough to just breathe and listen to Him.  It's something I'm currently working on. 

I can't speak for the entire human race, but I'd be willing to say that most of us wear a lot of hats during our day.  We are mother, father, sister, brother, boss, employee, referee, taxi driver, sport fanatic, teacher, leader, play mate, judge, and policeman.  Each of us play a variety of roles from sun up to sun down and it can be taxing.  It's important that we each take time to replenish what the world drains from us each day.  How do we do that?  The first place to start would be in the Word of God.  He has provided us with the perfect manual for daily living.  There is no better salve for the ailments we suffer from the scrapes and bruises of life.  There is no situation we experience that He can't lead us through. 

The Bible as the inspired Word of God is our lighthouse in the storms we experience. In my Christian walk I find that I have times of really digging in and staying in daily communication with the Lord in my prayer life.  It is during those times that I feel most at peace and calm.

Another way I take care of my well-being is by talking with my closest friends.  I am blessed with a wonderful circle of people I can go to through anything. It is so helpful to be able to share my stresses and concerns.  Sometimes we just need to vent or bounce ideas off someone.  Many times what inwardly seems an impossible situation may look very differently to someone a little removed from the problem. 

I hope in the days to come we all will take time to spend a few minutes recharging our batteries.  Whether it's taking a nap, getting a manicure, or soaking in a bubble bath- let's let our bodies catch up with our minds.  Our spiritual beings must be nurtured as well.  While we're taking our quiet time let's grab a Bible and allow ourselves to be still...

Have a wonderful weekend.