WORD FROM THE PASTOR - MAY 2022

“…my cup overflows…” These words are a part of the familiar Psalm 23. They follow the fact that God anoints us as God’s children and provides for our needs. God’s provision is so abundant it goes beyond what we need. The interesting thing is that we’re not sure how God does it. I believe that a part of that provision is taking the time to pause from all we do, the hectic-ness of our daily lives, to focus on God. This self-care allows God to refill us when it seems our cups run dry. But how often do we take the time to actually do this? 

Self-care is an area about which we are hearing more and more. As we live in a world that has become more aware of the importance of mental health, we realize that this health care depends on self. We do a good job of taking care of and worrying about our families and friends, but how many of us feel guilty when we start to turn that care and concern inward? For generations we’ve been told to “Buck up…just keep going.” This attitude has left us with exhaustion and burn-out abounding. Throughout the scriptures we have illustration after illustration of the need to pause, to rest, to take time. 

At the beginning of the Bible, the last day of creation was set aside by God for Godself to rest. Six days were busy making creation, but God rested on the seventh day. Then in the Ten Commandments, we are told to set aside a sabbath day – a day of rest from our labors. Jesus took time to separate from the disciples, from the healings, from the teachings to go spend time with God in prayer. Rest is required for renewal. It is an essential part of how we have been created, and yet how often do we struggle with this? 

As the temperatures transition to warmer weather (we pray!), may it be a reminder that through a time of rest, new life emerges. May it be a motivation to take some time to pause, to care for self, and to find renewal. God bless you and may God overflow your cup once more! 
Serving with you in Christ, 
​
Pastor Beth