“Self Care is not a privilege, but is your divine right
You are already worthy and don’t need permission nor an invite
Rest recharges my spirit, revives my body and renews my soul
Bringing this into alignment is the connection that makes me whole.”
Sheila P Spencer
Alignment – Rest was created to be a part of our alignment and life rhythm.
Accountability – Rest calls us to be accountable to each other.
Ancestors – Rest is a way we can honor our ancestors.
Alignment:
“On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2
God rested on the seventh day. The Creator teaches us that Rest/Sabbath is intended to be included in the regular alignment and rhythm of our lives. From the beginning, God demonstrates rest is to be a regular part of our lives, an alignment and regular routine of rest.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
Jesus included rest in the regular alignment of his life and ministry. He took time for self-care, solitude, rest and prayer. He took time to go to solitary places to pray. Jesus made sure that he modeled the alignment of rest for his disciples. “Crowds of people were coming and going so that Jesus and his followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest.” Mark 6:31. Jesus understood that taking time away from the demands of ministry to align and connect with God was foundational.
If the Messiah, Son of God, Savior of the World and Prince of Peace took time from his busy schedule to rest …. Why don’t we? I’ll wait for your answer (smile)
Accountability
“Then Moses said to his father-in-law, ‘It is because the people come to me for God’s help in solving their disagreements. When people have a disagreement, they come to me, and I decide who is right. I tell them God’s laws and teachings.’ Moses’ father-in-law Jethro said to him, “You are not doing this right. You and the people who come to you will get too tired. This is too much work for you; you can’t do it by yourself. Now listen to me, and I will give you some advice. I want God to be with you.’” Exodus 18: 15-19
Pray for a Jethro in your life. This is someone who will keep you accountable to care for yourself. Jethro clearly saw that Moses was on his way to burning out. He clearly addressed the danger, but also offered a viable solution. Jethro shares the spiritual practice of delegation. He advised Moses to appoint and train leaders to take some of the weight of the responsibility. Delegation is an opportunity to empower others, foster relationships and healthy collaboration. Pray for a Jethro (accountability partner) and pray that you can be a Jethro and accountability partner for someone else.
Ancestors
“Honoring the brilliance of my Ancestors. On this Juneteenth and everyday. We uplift only rest & leisure.” Tricia Hersey
My family journeyed to Texas in 2018 and gathered at the site where my ancestors received the news of their freedom. For most of us, the experience of standing on the soil where our ancestors endured the brutality of slavery was visceral. They sacrificed so much. They established their own surnames for their descendants, they wanted to create new names for their descendants. My father taught us that Spencer is the name given by my ancestors.
We honor our African Ancestors by taking time to care for ourselves. We honor them by taking the opportunity to rest and care for our spirit body and mind.
Starter Steps
- Meditate/pray at the beginning of each day.
- Movement – If the body is our temple, then movement is our prayer.
- Journal – Take time to release/record thoughts.
- Nature – Take time outside to rejuvenate spirit, body and mind.
Caring for yourself is not a privilege, it is our divine right.
You are already worthy of rest, no need for permission nor invite.
