Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. MARK 1:35 NLT 

“Put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others.” 

The day our family was leaving for our vacation together, I would dip in and out of the boys’ rooms to check what they were packing for the trip. They’d learned to lay out their folded clothes, organized day by day, and when they thought they’d nailed it, I’d check to see that they’d remembered everything they needed. Meanwhile, I was busy with work and making lunch and caring for my husband and paying those last bills before we left town. And when it was time for us to leave, I hadn’t packed for myself! 

A few hours later, after checking my quickly packed bag at the airport and boarding our flight, I heard the flight attendant on the plane say clearly, “Put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others.” 

This isn’t self-indulgent. In fact, Jesus would slip away, at the beginning of the day, to fuel up by being with His Father! Here’s the thing, I need for you to practice self-care—to take care of you—so that you have the oxygen you need to care for others. Be intentional about packing your bags, ensuring that you’ve got what you need physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. 

Talk to God about the areas of your life that you have let slide, for whatever reason, and how God might be welcoming you to practice self-care in this moment. 

God, I believe that I am Your masterpiece and that I am just as worthy of care as others are. Teach me to value myself the way that You value me. Amen.