One of our greatest liabilities as women, especially as Christian women, is the feeling that we have to go the extra mile.

This feminine characteristic is to be admired and complimented because it manifests an unselfish, generous and compassionate heart.

It’s also a characteristic that’s built in to every woman’s God-given make-up. You might remain single or you might become a mother and grandmother.

But whichever the case, looking after others is built-in to your make-up.

As a mother or grandmother, your responsibility is to nurture your children and grandchildren.

And mothers and grannies often do need to go the extra mile with infants, toddlers and children —and, yes, with teenagers … oh—and don’t forget—with adult children too!

There comes a time, however, that your tendency to perpetually think of others first becomes counter-productive.

Worse than that, it can actually do harm to the very people you’re trying to help.

When your good deeds become compulsive, un-thought out, automatic reactions to the needs of others —rather than a considered response —you eventually get yourself and others into trouble.

This is when you need to sit back and take stock!

Why?

Because you are ‘giving out’ more than you’re ‘taking in’.

As a result, you’re lacking balance.

When you lack balance, you begin to wobble and might even fall!

And when you’re lacking balance, you see God and yourself and others with tired eyes.

This doesn’t bode well.

It negatively affects your relationship with your spouse, your kids, your extended family, your friends, work colleagues, neighbours, and faith community.

You see, you’re driving your car on empty.

And a car that’s driven on an empty tank of gas cannot function.

To function again, it will have to undergo a complete overall.

If you suspect that you’ve been driving your car on empty …please STOP and re-assess your priorities. 

Forget about others right now.

Consider your own needs first.

You need to find nourishment for yourself.

You need to go to your spiritual ‘automotive-repair shop’ and have your car serviced from top to toe. 

You need to find a spiritual gas station where you can fill up your tank.

----

 

 

 

It’s Time for Change

What about coming up with a healthy, balanced plan for your life?

 

For example …

• • • • A new way of eating
      • A new way of exercising
      • A better way of sleeping
      • A better way of recreating and relaxing
      • A more beneficial way of praying
      • A new hobby
      • A new sport
      • A new social group

 

Exercise

1. Stop reading this article for a few minutes and find a piece of paper.

Jot down 3 things that you know give you…

• • • • • • life
          • love
          • joy
          • peace
          • faith
          • personal fulfillment

If you’re not sure, take as much time as you need to properly think through your answer.

You might need to take a day, a few days, or even a week.

Whichever it is, don’t rush this part of the exercise.

Spend quality time coming up with your answers.

Then use these answers to form the basis of your new lifestyle.

----

Some Suggestions to Encourage Your

Total Wellbeing—Mind, Body, and Spirit

 

1. Limit your ‘car’ to short runs.

Don’t do the long ones any more —at least not for a few weeks or even months.

2. Ask the Lord —the Source Himself of life and joy and peace and fulfillment —for nourishment.

The surest and most direct way to experience repeated ‘doses’ of nourishment from God, the kind that lasts, is to learn how to spend time in His Presence. 

Once in His Presence, be still.

Let go of words and thoughts.

Do this regularly for a few minutes each day (i. e. 5 - 10 - 15 – 20 minutes, maximum) until you feel that your tank has enough high-quality gas in it to do short-runs for family and friends!

3. Learn how to pray the ‘breath prayer’. This is a huge support in times of confusion or overwhelm.

                                 

Be still and know that He is God

Be still

 

and know

 

Be still

 

    Be …