Spirit & Truth # 259
“An Open Letter About Self-Care and Small Groups”
By Greg Smith
Dear Friend,
These
days, everybody’s schedule is busy, so I appreciate the moments you’re taking
to read this right now. You’ve probably
heard that self-care is an important thing, but maybe it doesn’t seem practical
to you, with all the demands in your life.
In our hectic world, we spend so much time taking care of other people
and the projects they set before us that we often don’t give enough attention
to sustaining ourselves. I’d like to
challenge the idea that you need to place everybody else’s needs before your
own, and suggest that you take care of yourself for a change.
If
you’ve ever flown on an airplane, then you’ve heard the flight attendant give
instructions as to how to use the floatation devices, exits, and seat
belts. You’ve also been told that if the
oxygen masks drop down from the ceiling, you are to put one on yourself before
you help someone next to you, even if that someone is a child. This seems selfish at first. But the reason for this is that without
oxygen, you won’t be able to help anybody.
Only when you have the oxygen mask on yourself will you be able to help
others. Putting the oxygen mask on
yourself first isn’t selfish. It’s one
of the most selfless things you can do, to force yourself to take care of
yourself.
When
it comes to self-care, small groups are often the oxygen mask that people
need. Even Jesus would often withdraw
from the crowds of people, to pray and share in fellowship with his small group
of twelve disciples. This close-knit
support group offered the emotional support, comfort, and sustenance that Jesus
needed during his ministry. They also
provided the vehicle through which he could share his wisdom.
If
Jesus needed this, then everybody needs a small support group of some
kind. You need support, but you also
need people with whom you can share the wisdom God has given to you, through
your own struggles in life. Sunday
school classes and evening Bible studies at your church may meet this
need. Many believers find fellowship in
home prayer groups with friends. Or your
needs may be more specialized.
Personally, I meet weekly with a small group of other pastors who
support one another in ministry. As a
parent of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, I also meet monthly with a group of
parents who share the same challenges.
You may need the help of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or some other
12-step recovery program. Or, you could
have spiritual devotion time with like-minded co-workers before a hard day’s
work. There are many types of small
groups that offer the care and strength you need.
If
you’re like me, then you probably have too many responsibilities and
appointments to juggle. For myself, I
can tell you that burning the candle at both ends never did me any good. Adding another meeting to the list seems
counter-intuitive. But taking the time I
need for myself has always paid off. I
find my vitality increased, my spirituality growing, and my mental focus
improved when I put the oxygen mask on myself fist. It’s worth the time it takes. I invite you to consider your own self-care,
and the role that a small group may play in your life. Do it for yourself. Do it those who need you to be strong, so you
can care for them.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Greg Smith
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