May. 26, 2007
Selfless Service Saturday - Taking Care of #1
This is a new series that I will be posting based on email messages I receive from Kindred Spirits/Biblical Womanhood. That is also where I get the articles on depression that I've been posting. While I am not the author of any of these articles - they would be something I would be proud to write. I hope that they bless you as they have blessed me.
Selfless Service Saturday - Taking Care of #1
Taking Care of #1
I know that many of you probably don't like Oprah, but I do watch her when she has a good topic of discussion. I also like Dr. Oz and her personal trainer, Bob Green. I wanted to comment on something that was said on her program that made me think about Selfless Saturday, and how this selflessness can be taken out of balance.
Dr. Oz made a comment about women who take their role of family care provider so serious that they neglect the care of themselves. He said that this type of woman does not usually have very good self-esteem. Oprah said that she feels that women naturally fall into the role of giving selflessly, and it's easy for them to forget themselves.
I do think that most people are prone to selfishness - mainly because it is an act of the flesh. We do live in a selfish "it's all about me" generation, and we should know that some of the comments are more an inspired sign of the times. But to take their comments at face value, both of them are probably right. I can think of myself caring for my young children, in hopes of being able to slip away and take a shower, or being able to sew again. But then there is the woman who will miss a meal or sleep improperly for a long period of time, because their life is so wrapped around their kids. They may not have been to the dentist in years, because they feel they don't have the time to go.
I remember a neighbor lady I met in Hanover, PA, who would stay up and clean her house in the middle of the night, because it was the only time her kids weren't under her feet. She was constantly going, picking up under their feet, big meals each time...She wore me out by just watching. I think this is the type of woman they were talking about.
But, I must add, that we as Christ's daughters are called to be servants. It is what the scripture teaches us. So as I am posting these selfless service posts, please don't take this out of balance and work yourself to a frazzle. I don't know many of you, so I don't know who I'm speaking to daily. If you have not done essential things like: having a yearly Pap smear, dental checkup, get yourself a pair of glasses if the ones you have are so scratched you can barely see out of them, eat nutritious meals, having that suspicious lump looked at...please go take care of these things - those are essential! Your family needs you to be of a sound mind. Too much selflessness to the point of deprivation will throw you over the top. If you don't take care of yourself, these things will go left undone for a long time. If you never mention needing these things to your husband, I'm sure he isn't standing around with a check list of these items making certain you've taken care of them. These things were meant to be said in love, and I hope that you receive them that way.
Have a nice holiday weekend.
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May. 26, 2007 - Over worked mom
Posted by Angelheart
There for awhile I was one of those over worked mom focusing all on my family. Recently I have been trying to give myself the small gifts again. I know this sounds ridiculous but like hand lotion. I havent bought any for myself in so long and the girls have containers of them. Why do I neglect myself. Thanks for the reminder.
I had to look twice at you article. I am from Hanover Pa. LOL Well very near Spring Grove.
Nikki
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May. 29, 2007 - It took me a long time
Posted by RienzoFamily
to learn that very hard lesson of balancing children, husband, home, and personal interests AND keeping up with myself. I am only just beginning. It is a real challenge. I somehow feel like I am neglecting my family by taking time to exercise or have my hair cut or to do my nails or fix my face. In actuality, I have accomplished more since January, than I have in the last 10 years! However hard it is, you must -must - must put your guilt aside and do it. Your family deserves nothing less and you deserve only the best you can be!!!
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