The first time I rode on a plane with my husband the airline stewardess did the whole spiel about the oxygen masks. I was shocked. In my head I began to argue with her, “I would never put the mask on myself first! That is crazy! I would save my child first! Clearly they do not know what they are talking about.”
As a mom, I live in a world of last.
Last to sit down at the table.
Last to shower.
Last to crawl into bed.
Last to order a meal I actually WANT to eat (I’ve been sharing a meal for 11 years).
Last to buy anything I would like.
Last to do anything for myself.
Although I am still in this season of “last” I have been given multiple excuses to finally take some time for self care. I have been better about taking time for my hair, nails, and even the dreaded four letter word SHOP-ping.
This has been lovely but my husband recently reminded of the ultimate self-care discussed in Martha and Mary in Luke 10.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I will admit I am 100% Martha. Plan a party? Yes! Host the party? Yes! Get annoyed when someone isn’t helping me that should? Yep! I relate more to Martha than I care to admit. It isn’t just the “one time,” it is all the time. I am constantly busying myself with commitments. The commitments can all be deemed as “valuable and worthy” but still be completely draining.
This week I am going to make a real attempt at being Mary. This means saying “no” to distractions and spending time at Jesus feet. This means praying more and spending time in His Word. This means being more aware of others around me not to “do something for them,” but to recognize their emotional needs.
I don’t usually like to admit when I am wrong, but the airline stewardess is right, I must take care of myself before I can help others. The best way for me to do this is to spend time listening to Him.
How will you begin to take care of yourself? Lean in. Listen. Deep down you know exactly what your heart and soul needs.
