Despite all of his dramatic and action-packed examples, living like Jesus does not mean that you are available to serve all of the time. There are stretches in which you say “no” to activity, you create space that is separate from those who love, and you concentrate on your own unique personhood. This looks different for all of us because our Maker is endlessly creative in the way we are shaped and molded.
These moments spent caring for ourselves are likely not as thrilling as performing everyday miracles for others. Perhaps they don’t warrant social media recognition. But it’s in these moments of caring for yourself that you are filled with focus and fortified in your purpose.
In these times of retreat, we remember who we are, what we’re for and to whom we belong. You are a child of God, and you’re worthy of love and tenderness. You are deserving of the same compassion that you so generously have for your children, best friend and spouse.
This message is excerpted from “Love yourself, love the world” by Leslie Klipsch in the March 2017 Gather magazine.
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