Nurturing the Caregiver: Fill Your Cup
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Hey Reader! For many of you, the school year is winding down and you’re looking forward to a little break. For some of you, the end of the school year just means the beginning of a summer program! At ECCN, we recognize that you pour out a lot of energy, love, and time for your students and their families. It’s also important for us to remember a fundamental truth: caring for yourself is a vital part of caring for others. In the hustle and bustle of tending to the needs of children, it’s easy to overlook our own well-being. However, as Christians, we’re called to steward not just the lives entrusted to our care, but also our own bodies, minds, and spirits. Have you ever noticed that Jesus took time to care for himself even as He ministered in BIG ways for God’s glory? He often withdrew to solitary places to pray and rejuvenate, especially after long, difficult, taxing days of ministry. A great example of this is found in Matthew 14 when Jesus learns that His cousin-friend John the Baptist has been killed in prison. He needs time to grieve but the crowds just follow him! So, He heals the crowds and feeds 5,000 men (not counting women and children) with two fish and five small loaves of bread! And then….He sends His disciples across the sea and He spends time alone with His Father to recharge. We are called to follow the ways and habits of Jesus. He didn’t just go, go, go all the time. He tangibly loved and helped the people around Him and then… He stopped. He slept. He shared a meal with His friends. He went off by Himself to spend time with the Father. Here are some practical tips for you to nurture yourself so you can show up as your best self for the children in your care… and your family… and your friends. 1. Prioritize time with the Father. Listen, I know this seems obvious and also it’s HARD but… Start your day with prayer, seeking guidance, wisdom, and strength from the Creator of the Universe, the Sovereign King. And at the end of the day, reflect on the blessings of the day and offer gratitude for the ways you saw the Provider, the Shepherd, the Sustainer, the Comforter show up in your day. There is no guilt trip intended here. Almost all of us could do better in this realm! We know it’s where the power lies, but that’s also why the enemy attacks us there. 2. Care for your Mental/Emotional Well-being: Really small habit-changes can make a WORLD of difference in your mental and emotional well-being. Set an alarm for 10a, 1p and 5p to remind yourself to STOP and NOTICE what’s happening around you. Listen…what do you hear? Look around…what do you see? Feel your feet touch the ground. Breathe deeply – in through your nose and out through your mouth three times. Smile – even if you don’t feel it. Cross your arms and give yourself a great big hug. Now…get back to work! You’ve reset your nervous system! 3. Nourish your body. Again, no guilt trip here. Just stop and notice when you grab a handful of chips (or that secret chocolate stash) because you “just need something”. (This is me, almost every single day!) Chances are, you don’t need a handful of chips. You probably need a drink of water, a moment outside in fresh air, and a good meal. Fuel your body with nutritious foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Get some sleep, go for a walk. 4. Cultivate Community – Surround yourself with supportive co-workers, friends, and fellow believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and friendship. Host a game night, movie night, Taco Tuesday get-together, coffee date, you get the idea. Be the initiator! This is SO HARD for me, but it’s also SO worth it when I do it. 5. Grow in Christ With Others – Join (or start) a Bible study this summer with some of your coworkers or neighbors! If you can’t find one…START one. I loved Jesus and Women by Kristi McClelland earlier this spring. Minimal homework and excellent video teaching each week! Allow God’s word to speak into your life while you learn alongside other women. I did Elijah by Priscilla Shirer a couple of years ago and it was phenomenal as well – more homework, though. Remember, by caring for yourself, you’re not only equipping yourself to better serve and care for the precious children entrusted to your care but you’re honoring God’s gift of your life!
Cheering you on this week! -Your ECCN team P.S. I am motivated by checklists and charts. We created this Habit Tracker earlier this year to help you develop new habits for yourself. I’ve used it to help me reach my water-goals and to help me track my “no social media after 9pm” goals (and a few others…email me if you want to see what I’ve been working on this year)! If you’re also motivated by checkboxes and sticker charts…this might be a helpful resource for you!
Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” |
