I am a wife.  A mom.  A nana.

Sister, daughter, friend, barber, cook, dishwasher, housecleaner, writer, leader, teacher, baby-sitter–

clothes washing, bill paying, record keeping, dog bathing, shopping ninja…

And that was just today.  Tomorrow is another story.

And there are those days, I admit, that I am tempted to throw in the towel.

But that is not an option.

Getting out the bath towel is.

Sometimes when you want to give up, all you really need

is

a

long

hot

bath.

Pampering myself always brings a certain amount of guilt.  Like I don’t deserve it.

I know in my heart that it’s not really true, but the voice in my head tells me that it’s selfish.

Taking care of yourself is more than a band-aid.  It is more like balm for the soul–all wrapped up in a package that might include a little bit of chocolate or a hot cup of tea.

Take care of you:  it’s a gift you give yourself–and your family.

You’ve heard the phrase (and maybe even quoted it!):  “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”

That could be taken in two different ways.

ONE: “You’d better take care of me and make me happy and meet my needs and do things that bring me pleasure or I will be grumpy and discontent and take out all of my frustrations on you.”

or

TWO:  “Being a wife and mom IS a full-time job, and if I take care of myself, I will be refreshed, reenergized, and ready to take care of the ones that I love.”

And sometimes that means a NAP.

or a bath,

or a pedicure,

or popcorn and a movie.  (Black and White Popcorn rocks!)

Maybe I’m just reminding myself, or maybe you just needed someone to give you permission today to think of yourself.

Don’t shirk responsibility and don’t think that time away from God is ever helpful.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Oh yeah, and using that towel to serve someone else may just be the balm that you need…

We are all different, and are recharged differently–but whatever it takes for you to get your focus back in perspective will be time well spent.

Give yourself permission.  Do whatever it takes to get life back in perspective.

Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:11-12

He’s there.  And HE KNOWS.

Sometimes you just have to take that towel and clean up the mess of busy-ness or wipe off the tears of frustration.  Jump in that bubble bath and see if a little solitude doesn’t give you the chance to clear your mind and start with a nice clean slate!

~~Vickie