I read this verse recently and took away new insight I want to share with you.
When I first read Philippians 2:4, I take away Paul’s encouragement for us not to be selfish by only thinking about our own interests, but we should think of others’ interests too.
But here’s what I realized this verse does notsay:
· “Let each of you not look at his own interests, but instead the interests of others.”
· “Let each of you neglect your interests by taking care of everyone else’s interests.”
Paul isn’t telling us to forget about or overlook our own needs! Read the verse again. He tells us to take care of our own interests and then care for the interests of others.
Sometimes I think we as busy moms and wives get it backwards. We consistently tend to everyone else’s needs, concerns and activities and forget about our own. While it is good for us not to be selfish or have vain conceit, as Paul mentions in Philippians 2:3, but meeting or own needs isn’t selfish or conceited. Because when we tend to ourselves, we’re then better able to tend to the needs of others. Right? It makes so much sense, but is hard to put into practice.
There are certain things I used to do regularly before I had kids that are such luxuries now: taking a hot bath, polishing my nails, finishing a book within a few weeks’ time and sleeping in on the weekend. There are so many things on my to-do list every day that these little luxuries don’t happen as often as I’d like.
But recently I realized that in an hour a week, I can multi-task and make some of these things I want to do more of a habit than a luxury. Here’s how you too can take an hour a week to meet some of your needs and feel like a better you:
- Schedule your hour when you’ll have minimal disturbances. Try to make it at a consistent time each week so that it becomes a habit. Ask your spouse to take the kids to the park for an hour so you have an hour of quiet. Or take your hour during your kid’s nap time, after their bedtime or Sunday morning before church when your spouse is home. You will likely have to give up something to make this hour become a habit, like social media, TV or folding that pile of laundry, but it will be worth it!
- Wash your face and apply your favorite facial mask. Let it set for the recommended time during steps 2-4.
- Take a hot detox bath: Run water as hot as you can stand it and pour in ½ cup of baking soda, 2 cups of Epsom salt and 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil.
- While you’re taking your bath, listen to relaxing music and read your favorite magazine or a book. Or set up the iPad where it won’t get wet and catch up on a show.
- When you’re finished with the bath, do an express pedicure or manicure and polish your nails.
As busy women, it’s imperative that we make it a habit to take care of ourselves. With so many needs to meet and people to take care of, we often feel like we need permission to meet our own needs.
But as we read in Philippians 2:4, we already have permission to take care of your own interests! But in case you need another reminder, I’m also giving you permission, because you are worth it! Taking care of yourself will enable you to be a better wife, mom, friend and employee! So make time for yourself this week!
(In case you missed my announcement last week, I’m hosting an event, Restore: Soul Care for Moms, on May 19th that will help busy moms take care of themselves. I’d love for you to join me! For tickets and more information, click here.)
