Continue to work hard and offer your best throughout your life and relationships. And remember this also requires you to care well for your own soul.
Most days we’re spread thin – desperately trying to keep up with the constant demands of life and relationships. And often our souls are neglected as we do. But it remains true we can’t pour water out of an empty cup. When our souls are depleted we have nothing left to offer to others.It’s all too easy to keep pushing ourselves and dealing with the many urgent and immediate needs right in front of us.
And, to be sure, many seasons of life are just tough and push us beyond our edge.
But often we also overextend ourselves beyond what is wise.
This is the case when we’re always on the go, perhaps doing many good things, but neglecting the care of our souls along the way.
We might get away with this for a while, but eventually this neglect catches up with us.
For instance, our bodies start to feel worn down and it takes longer to recover from physical ills. Anxiety, depression, increased relational strain, and spiritual disconnection are also all potential symptoms of a neglected soul.
Soul care is caring for the fullness of our very selves.
This is not simply seeking an escape from the stresses of life, though it might include keeping our various Sabbaths. Nor is it merely self-medicating, though there is a place for meaningful indulgences.
As a regular practice, it might also include necessary pruning, learning to build more margin, fighting for joy, and simply allowing ourselves to saturate in more beauty.
Whatever it looks like, soul care allows us to reconnect with the very source of life himself and fill up on the fullness of life he has to offer.
Much is still required of us. But we’re able to accomplish all the good God has for us when our souls are adequately cared for and anchored in him.
Continue to work hard and offer your best throughout your life and relationships. And remember this also requires you to care well for your own soul.
Photo by Ronnie George on Unsplash
