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The lightbulb began to shine as Kyle told me to remember you have to TAKE THE MASK! We are starting to speak in 3 little words. This week is a great time to discuss taking care of you because it is Mother’s Day, finals week for some, teacher appreciation week, it is a week where many give and give and never take for themselves. I know when I am going on empty, I don’t go very far.
When we are on an airplane, the stewardess gives us all the safety directions. One of most importance is when she or he is speaking about the mask that will drop down if the event occurs and you need oxygen. When addressing the issue, the stewardess says:
“In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. Keep your mask on until a uniformed crew member advises you to remove it.”
The part of the statement that we don’t want to miss are the words– PLACE IT FIRMLY OVER YOURNOSE AND MOUTH. The reason for this is not to take care of you first and be selfish, but before you can take care of someone else you have to have oxygen yourself.
You CANNOT take care of others unless you take care of you!
Let me share with you a little about oxygen. Our bodies store food and water; however, they are unable to store oxygen. To be alive, we must provide oxygen to our cells. Oxygen enables our bodies not only to live but also repairs our cells, feeds our brains, cleanses our bodies, and calms our nerves. Wow, can you understand now what it means to take a breather?
TAKE A BREATHER!
How many times do you take the mask first? Or do you always give the mask to others?
I am guilty!!!
You need to know that taking care of you is a NECESSITY. So, let’s go there for a minute.
When I think how I take care of me or when do I feel the best, I always go back to the few things that bring me to a peaceful healthier state of being. These things deal with my spiritual health and my physical health. I have to take a step back and do inventory on where I am and where I want to be. When I slow down, eat healthy foods, exercise every day, go to bed earlier, wake up earlier and start my day in the word I am at peace. My day goes smoother, and I can walk in tranquility. I just basically feel better.
I am reminded of how important this is in several scriptures.
John 15:5 New International Version (NIV)
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
REMAIN IN ME– stay connected with Christ, stay deep in His word, be reminded of what He commands us to do. When we put Him first, we will stay fruitful, when we are cut off from Him, we will not bear fruit.
Acts 2:46-47 New International Version (NIV)
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
EVERYDAY
Peter is discussing the fellowship of believers. Every day they met, not every other day, not once a week, not once a month, not only on Sunday but every day. Every day we must draw close to Christ. Meet with God EVERYDAY!
Jeremiah 17:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
THEY– who is they? There are 2 kinds of people. Those who trust in the Lord and those who don’t. Jeremiah’s purpose was to turn people away from their sin and to Christ. In this scripture, Jeremiah tells us what those who trust in the Lord attributes are.
When we take the mask every day we are connected to Christ and can turn away from sin and bear fruit.
There isn’t anything wrong with TAKING THE MASK. Many of us feel we are being selfish when we take care of us; however, you have to dissectTAKE THE MASKand interpret them correctly. When we take the mask, we are taking care of our physical and spiritual well-being so we can function on this earth and share Gods glory. This means being deeply rooted in Him. Spreading out our roots and soaking up his words. He is the life-giving nutrients that allow us to take each step every day. This sucking up like a straw is where our strength comes from, the living water of Jesus.
Let us be reminded that even Jesus took the time to be alone and be with God. He knew when He needed to take a step back and be at peace. Jesus knew when He needed to take the mask of prayer!
We all need to be reminded to TAKE THE MASK, let the oxygen flow and take a breather. It is only then that we can endure what life brings us.
CHALLENGES OF THE WEEK:
- Everyday Keep Your Daily Appointment with Christ
- Dig Deep in The Word
- Take Care of You Physically and Spiritually, TAKE THE MASK, be with God and breathe
- Fill Your Cup with Christ So You Can Fill Other Cups
EXTRA READS:
How to Deeply Root Yourself into Christ
https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/kelly-balarie/how-to-deeply-root-yourself-into-christ.html
Staying Rooted in Jesus
Caring for Yourself Spiritually and Personally
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