Lately the theme of "self care" seems to be jumping out in whatever I read. During a parenting course I've been attending online, we were discussing the importance of self care to keep us effective (and sane) as moms in the home. The presenter broke it down so beautifully. It is the wisdom of creating moments where you can catch your breath to do something meaningful for yourself, even if it's as simple as holding a cup of tea / coffee in your hands and practicing stillness to enjoy the moment fully. That picture spoke powerfully to my heart. I'm the queen of the juggle! The hardest thing for me is to not multitask! An ongoing theme in my life is trying to practice the art of stillness and consistency. That simple little picture of stillness keeps speaking to my heart.
Often times we grab our moments of self-care "on the go". Instead of savouring what could be a refreshing moment to catch our breath, we rush it! I can't tell you how many times I've made myself a cuppa to enjoy, but as I'm about to start drinking it I remember something I need to quickly do, only to land up getting pulled away altogether and loosing the solitude that that cup of coffee was offering me to start with. And lets be honest ... it's never the same after it's been reheated a couple of times. 😂
As I've kept going back to the picture of that warm cup in my hands, I started to think about the daily grace that God offers us each day to sip from. The bible talks about it as a "cup of blessing" ...
"Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine."
Psalm 16:5 NLT
What a hopeful picture to rest in. Holding that cup of blessing with both hands ... sitting long enough to soak in the rest, perspective, strength, wisdom that comes with waiting on the counsel of the Lord. Over and over I see the picture of waking up to that full cup of blessing just waiting for me to sip from throughout the day. I believe that God goes before us, before our day even begins and prepares all the fresh mercies that we will need to get through the day.
"Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever (throughout all my days) in the house and in the presence of the Lord."
Psalm 23:6 AMP
If you are tired today or feeling a little weary, give yourself permission to take a moment for yourself. If you are able, go and make yourself something warm and comforting to drink. Hold that cup in both your hands and allow yourself to soak in the fresh encouragement that your heart needs right now. Maybe it's comfort. Maybe it's rest. Whatever is making you feel weary, anxious or afraid ... as you hold that warm cup in your hands, release your burden to the One who is able to fill your cup with blessing and fresh grace to lighten your heart today. If it's a loved one you are hurting for ... in your heart embrace the picture that God goes before the one you care for and see Him filling their cup with fresh hope and blessing. Allow Him to keep refilling your cup for as many sips of grace that you need. His grace IS sufficient for you.
Praying refreshing and hope over your day.
Much love,
☕️
Janine
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