Don’t get me wrong.
I love a relaxing spa day, yoga session or time in a good book with chocolate.
All good things.
But I wonder if we are missing the most important element of ‘self care’ when we fail to include the One who knows better than we do what we most need to feel fulfilled, at peace and rested.
He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt 11:28-29).
When He needed some time apart-some ‘self-care’ if you will-He went to spend time in prayer with His Father (see Luke 5:16, 6:12; Matt 14:23); and He is always our perfect example.
As we spend time with Him as part of our self-care, He will give us the increasing influence of His Spirit.
His grace and love can fill us and remind us of the good we are doing and becoming, as well as remind us of His willingness to continue working with us where we are still growing.
His light and knowledge can show us where we can let go, and where we need to patiently wait.
He will show us the next right step.
His perfect vision, desires, and motivation can increasingly become ours.
As that happens, we find that our ‘self’ is informed, cared for, and lifted by Him.
And the fruits of His care are what we are really seeking from a little quiet, ‘me,’ time after all-perspective, peace, comfort, truth.
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace (“Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 4).”
So while at home facials don’t hurt, real, lasting rest is in Him.
He can make more of even our self-care if we will involve Him.
He is big enough and good enough and willing enough to help shoulder all of our burdens and care.
To share His eternally reaching light and knowledge and love.
So our best care for self, is spending more time with Him.
