Some Food for Thought...

I got to attend a great seminar for hospital chaplains yesterday at McDowell Hospital. I volunteer a couple of days a month as a chaplain, and help oversee some of the organizational aspects of the program. The program, presented by Mission Hospitals chaplain Dorri Sherrill, was focused on "Caring for the Caregiver", and provided some practical skills for taking care of ourselves as ministers.

I thought you might benefit from this inventory. It's a checklist to help you create a picture of your lifestyle.
Check off the needs you are meeting regularly:
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A need is something we require for our well-being, like food, sunlight, contact with other humans. Our needs
are nonnegotiable, things we cannot do without. But sometimes we get so wrapped up in life, in surviving, in
getting ahead, in taking care of others, that we lose sight of these basic requirements. Don't let that happen!
Healthy self-care begins with checking to see if you are meeting your basic needs and then working to fulfill
them.
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__Do you usually get six to eight hours of sleep?
__Do you eat something fresh and unprocessed every day?
__Do you allow time in your week to touch nature, no matter how briefly?
__Do you get enough sunlight, especially in the wintertime?
__Do you see your doctor at least once a year?
__Do you see a dentist every six months?
__Do you know enough about your body and health needs?
__Do you feel you get enough fun exercise?
__Are you hugged and touched amply?
__Do you make time for friendship? Do you nurture your friendships?
__Do you have friends you can call when you are down, friends who really listen?
__Can you honestly ask for help when you need it?
__Do you regularly release your negative emotions?
__Do you forgive yourself when you make a mistake?
__Do you do things that give you a sense of fulfillment, joy and purpose?
__Is there abundant beauty in your life? Do you allow yourself to see beauty and bring beauty into your home and office?
__Do you make time for solitude?
__Are you getting daily or weekly spiritual nourishment?
__Can you remember the last time you laughed until you cried?
__Do you ever accept yourself for who you are?

In all three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), we hear Jesus' reply to the question "What is
the greatest commandment?" Jesus' reply, you know well: "Love the Lord your God will all your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself". Take note! Jesus didn't say "Love God...THEN your neighbor...THEN yourself". He said "...love your neighbor AS yourself".

Take care of yourself, friend. You are worth it!

Take care of yourself, so you can be of value to God and others!

Wishing you God's peace,
--Steve