In his book, Ladder to the Light, Steven Charleston writes, “Spirituality is not a spa, but a construction site…”. The work of truly caring for ourselves is a messy, imperfect process. It takes time and investment. While self-comfort and pleasurable activities are part of the equation, true self-care is about finding ways to meet your deepest needs.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” -Matthew 6:25
Throughout our lives, our bodies change; that’s the design! While some changes are hard won and sought after, others may be unwelcome. However, being caught up in longing for what once was or what we wish could be, limits our ability to appreciate what is.
Spend some time today acknowledging the reality of your situation. In your journal, on your notes app, or over coffee with a trusted friend, move through these three phases of reflection.
Name the places of change or pain in your body (and/or life). Allow the feelings that arise to be. Embrace the stark silence of the inability to resolve these feelings or cure the circumstances.
Courageously articulate your preferred future. What do you wish for your life and your body? Where are the places you long for healing?
Reflect on what is true now. What ways are you already living well, despite the challenges and limits you face? What is good about what is, as is?
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” -Matthew 6:25
As I age it seems life’s complications and difficulties increase exponentially. Things aren’t getting any easier. And also, with my aging body as part of the equation, the energy and mind power I have to solve all these problems seems to be heading in the opposite direction. In other words, more problems but less energy and brain function.
What exactly was God’s plan?
It seems it might have something to do with slowing down, learning patience, and accepting that we are not actually in control as much as we would like to think. I am reminded again of God’s good wisdom. God created us. We are here in finite bodies. We have limited time and capacity. Each stage of life has its own beauty to show us, but each stage is different. God’s provision in each stage is different as well. But no matter where we are on life’s pathway, God is present with us and provides an avenue for growth and learning.
God, When my bones ache and my joints creak, may I be reminded of Your constant invitation to grow closer to You. Renew me Lord, that I may be ever mindful of Your good gifts and thankful for what each additional year has to teach me.
AMEN
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
This week’s mantra reminds us that while getting older and accepting our limitations is a challenge, it is also a privilege. Not everyone grows old. If you are feeling young, not old, hooray. This mantra can be an invitation to show gracious kindness to those who do feel the challenges of aging today!
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14
One way I have been reclaiming and healing my body is through compassionate touch. Throughout my life most of my actions and responses to my body have been centered around controlling or transforming her. As I am continuing to unlearn the harms of diet-culture, patriarchy and purity culture, I have been exploring and adopting new practices that offer compassion for my physical form.
Take some time to tenderly care for your body today. Schedule a massage or pedicure. Take a long bubble bath, or ask a friend or partner for a foot massage. Prioritize healing touch in your life this week and notice how this impacts your physical body and your emotional state.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
After the birth of my oldest son, in my early 30’s, I was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease. My fatigue had gotten quite overwhelming, but I thought it was just the result of having a new baby to care for and many interrupted nights. However, I was also having joint pain and general discomfort in my body. I remember lying on the single bed in the nursery one afternoon wondering if I was dying of some strange disease. Luckily, through the compassionate care of our family doctor it was soon discovered that I had low thyroid function. I would like to say that all was well after that, but I haven’t found that to be the case.
Over the years I have needed to come to terms with limitations that I didn’t have before. If I work too hard or just overdo it, I am often down for the count for a couple days afterwards. My limitations can be frustrating, especially when compared to my pre-hypothyroid self or my impressions of other women my age.
While I don’t enjoy my physical limitations, I have learned to have more compassion for others because of the changes in my own body. I’m not as quick to assume that everyone has just a few simple choices between themselves and a great stereotypically healthy body. I am continuing to learn how to be gracious to my own body and how to speak up for my own well-being. Compassion and kindness for myself and others are some of the beautiful lessons my body is teaching me these days. What is your body talking to you about?
God, Thank you for our bodies. Grant us open souls that we may learn anew how to live compassionately with ourselves and others. AMEN
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Life will always be imperfect but I have the gift of now.
Some ailments have no end. The practice of radical acceptance can be most unwelcome, particularly when suggested by those who are not plagued by a chronic illness. And yet, embracing the reality of our circumstances is what allows us to transform our perspective, be present to the moment and hold onto hope for the future. This week, as you encounter pain, limitations and frustrations with your body, remind yourself of the gift of this day: life will always be imperfect but I have the gift of now.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record?” -Psalm 56:8
My body started shutting down. When I didn’t listen to the cues she was giving me, trying to cover and numb the discomfort with medications, my body just got louder. When I had a panic attack next to the frozen food case at my local grocery store, I realized I could not continue the course I was on.
While listening to my body (and healing) has taken a lot of time and a combination of many different actions (big and small), one of my first tasks was to write what became my midlife manifesto.
Take some time today to allow yourself to name the things you know to be true– about what you have learned so far in your life, what you know about yourself and what you believe your body is telling you.
Keep this list in a safe place. Consider revisiting these truths when you are facing a decision point or disappointment in your life.
O Divine Wisdom, thank you for the ways your truth and knowing shows up in my life. May I have the courage and sensitivity to pay attention to what my body is telling me and may I trust that guidance. Amen.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record?” -Psalm 56:8
Our bodies have often been seen as something separate from our true selves or our spiritual being. But, in fact, we are created with bodies by God. And our bodies, instead of being separate from, often actually manifest what is happening in our spirit. We have butterflies in our stomach when we are nervous. Sometimes people experience loss of sleep or rashes when they are under stress. Others have heartburn that disappears with a job change. Our bodies speak to us about our spiritual well being.
Our bodies speak to us everyday. When I am hungry, or tired, or long to stretch my legs I am hearing my body speak. Acknowledging our physical needs and caring for them, also helps us become attuned to our spirits – our souls. Our bodies give us messages about our spiritual well-being. Recognizing that I am thirsty and then getting a drink, can lead me to recognize when my shoulders are tense. Recognizing that my body is holding tension can remind me to take a break from a stressful situation. Or perhaps that I am nervous and would benefit from a deep breath.
Living incarnate is a beautiful gift from God. Learning to listen thoughtfully to the messages from our God-created human form can help us become more aware of our whole being. Listening to our spirit and recognizing our humanity can draw us closer to God.
Creator God, Help me to listen with an open spirit to the beautiful body you have given me. I want to hear Your Spirit speaking to me in all the ways you have provided for me to hear.
AMEN
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! Do you know someone who would be inspired by today’s post? Please share Some Comfort and Joy with them! Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.
some comfort and joy 