Context: So I’ve found myself in need of a bit of self-care today. That’s actually not something that I think of consistently, even with all the encouragement to do so that abounds.
Now don’t get me wrong. If some of y’all saw that funny picture on my story a week ago you know that my feet are in need of some self-care, can I get a pedicure, in Jesus name 🙋🏾♀️💅🏾
But it’s not actually something that I think about a lot maybe because I get caught up in mom land or ministry or planning or writing or or or…and I forget.
But I found myself in need of intentional self-care this morning. It could be the maximum 4 hours of sleep I got last night 😴. I’m sure it stems from processing all that has transpired over the past few months, and especially doing that from a distance. Not to mention kids growing and doing our best to see them grow whole and well in all areas. And then navigating through our call and position and actions in ministry in Iceland, in this season.
There’s a lot to reflect on.
The past few days alone have brought historical moments that honestly have left me amazed, yet at the same time I deeply ponder and pray through the implications that may alter things significantly. It’s a weirdly complex feeling for me. I don’t fit into the cute little box on your social media feed.
I’m a woman of Nigerian blood, Alabama born, married to a white Icelander with children the color of mocha lattes 😍. So representation matters to me. I saw their faces at the inauguration and as You consider history, that is significant. Even more than that, I am a woman who loves Jesus and how I represent Him MATTERS. I know that my perspective must remain, Christ-Centered, eternally and heavenly minded even as kingdoms change. My thoughts are oftentimes complex and nuanced even though my devotion is simple and deep.
But whew, the way we’ve been boxed or have boxed each other? The tension in the atmosphere, questions about the future and travel and vaccines? I feel like my head is at capacity.
So as I am in need of maybe a bit of self-care today I am trying to be intentional about not being self-centered. I am all for doing the things that refresh my body physically and offload our minds but even in the midst of my processing and release and need to rest this morning, my answer is not always the pint of Häagen-Dazs in my freezer, and an old-school movie.
Self-care is actually my submission to the One who cares for and knows me intricately.
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.””
Mark 6:31 NIV
Jesus invited the disciples to a time of self-care away from all the coming and going. He reminded them that rest was found through Him not solely in our surface methods. And Listen, all the comings and going’s could all be good yet you need the time to decompress like the disciples.
What did they do during that time?
Maybe they sat and talked and joked. Maybe they slept in the boat as they traveled to their location. And even though more people were waiting by the time they reached the other shore, I believe that in submission to Jesus, they rested.
I want my self-care to truly carry me into the place where all my needs will be met and my soul is truly refreshed. From that place I am confident that Jesus has my best interest at heart.
And from that place he may whisper to me that I need to go ahead and open that freezer, get that Häagen-Dazs out and laugh at a funny movie. Or read a book, do something creative, sit and soak my feet or take a nap 🙌🏾which I believe is always of the Holy Ghost.
So if you’re in that place today or other days to come and find yourself in need of some self-care, I dare you to let your self-care be an act of submission to Jesus and see what he does from there.
As for me and my self, (before 2pm/14:00 when the kids get home) I’m going to sit in my chair with my cup of maple syrup & milk flavored coffee (listen…😋) pull out my Jewish Study Bible, take in the late morning sunrise and lean in to hear the whispers of the One who loves me best.
-Jenny Erlingsson
