Finding Joy: The Little Things预览

Little Thing # 6: Love Yourself

Let’s talk about one last ancient Greek word – Philantia. Its definition is “love of self” or caring for one’s personal needs. For this devotional, I’d like to apply the term to taking care of personal needs. Have you heard the phrase, “You can’t fill from an empty cup?” Better explained, if you can’t fulfill your own needs, how do you expect to rightly help others? You need health, a sound mind, and a state of calmness to be able to help others - joyfully.

The Bible speaks of enjoying our hard work. We are instructed to find joy in blessings that come from the “sweat of our brow,” and in doing so, we spend less time dwelling on our past mistakes. There is a time for everything, as the Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. Taking time out for others is very important, but don’t miss out on time to enjoy the fruit of your labor.

Self-care could be a long massage, reading a good book, a day at the spa, and the list goes on… For men, maybe it looks more like a day of fishing or golfing with the guys. Take time at least once or twice a month to do something that will improve your well-being and/or state of mind. Your family and others around you will also benefit from a happier, more joyful you.