“Self-Care”

“When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” John 12:36

One of the most important things in life is taking care of one’s own self. Many people find it therapeutic to seek places for respite or perhaps a person to talk to to keep it all together. Whatever the case, the self-care industry has seemed to blossom and boom over the last few years. We all need it. 

The Gospel of John records a time when Jesus deliberately removed Himself from the people, the crowds that followed Him, those that wanted to sit at His feet and learn of Him. It was when Jesus was preparing to return to His Father that He was still teaching the people and instructing them as to who He was and why He came. With intentionality, Jesus reminded those who would listen that through His death that all men would be drawn to the Father. In so doing, Jesus had given them His all.  

“When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” This was an act of self-care. Teaching, preaching, healing the sick, raising the dead, all of which He did to show the world who He was (and still is) had to have been exhausting. Jesus removed Himself from everyone and everything so that the people might realize who He was and also so that He could continue to prepare Himself for what was yet to come. 

In this Season of Lent may we, too, remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of life for a time of rest, reflection, renewal, and regeneration; to prepare ourselves for the things in life that lie ahead. 

Loving God, thank You for providing for us periods where we can grow closer to you while at the same time experiencing moments of “me time.” Bless Your name for Self-care!  In the name of Jesus. Amen.  

The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, Presiding Elder - Western District Western NC Conference