How to Balance Self-Care with Helping Others
Adapted from Wake Up to the Word
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well….
It is a good thing to help others and should be a major part of our life, but in the quest to help others, many people routinely ignore their own basic needs. Eventually they become bitter and turn into martyrs who feel they are being taken advantage of.
Once the body breaks down and life is no longer joyful, it becomes increasingly hard to serve anyone. Volunteers in a soup kitchen don’t let their pots fall apart while they ladle out one more bowl of soup. They take the time to care for the equipment they need to do their calling. And you can do the same with your most important piece of equipment—your body.
We need balance in all things and that includes the area of helping others and taking care of ourselves. You are not being selfish if you take time and finances to take care of yourself; you are being wise. We are called to live sacrificially and be involved in doing good works, but let’s not ignore our own basic needs in the process.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, please help me find the balance between serving others and taking care of myself. In the name of Jesus, I receive wisdom to avoid burnout and getting bitter, amen.
