My Mask First

A friend gave me a great analogy the other day.

We were talking about getting too busy to take care of ourselves and I made the comment that I can take better care of my family if I take care of myself. I didn't mean neglect my family to take care of myself (wants), I meant take care of myself so I can better serve my family.

She said, "Like putting on your oxygen mask first so you can help others."

Exactly.

Nail on the head.

I have this bad habit of getting too busy. And I mean too busy to take care of myself or anyone else. Bad, bad habit.

Nevertheless, the Good Lord has a way of bringing me around to the truth and redirecting my steps. Unfortunately it often comes in the form of illness or some other trial that makes me stop and say, "Oops. Too busy with the wrong things again."

Today I worked a long day at school. It was busy.

Emotional (my 8th graders are graduating on to high school).

Tiring.

So when I got home and looked at my much-in-need-of-attention kitchen, I contemplated what to tackle first. Then, I found out my husband was going fishing. Needing a sandwich to take with fishing. And, my kids and daughter's friend were going to youth group. Needing something to eat before we leave youth group.

I made BLTs.

Then, as they got ready to leave, I put on my oxygen mask (a.k.a. went for a four mile walk).

It was lovely. Refreshing. Quiet. Rejuvenating. I walked away today and breathed in the clean, fresh air.

When I came back home to an empty house, I organized my thoughts and decided to tackle the kitchen. No stress here. My oxygen mask was working just fine. Breathe. Clean. Breathe. Ahhh.

I made a sandwich for my hubby's lunch tomorrow. He will breathe easier.

I chopped some veggies and fruit to leave on the counter for three coming home hungry teens to shove into their mouths instead of just potato chips. I imagine myself putting on their oxygen masks, mine flowing free with fresh air.

I clean up the kitchen. Shine the sink. Stuff the bills in a cupboard. Who can do it all in one day?

I feel calm.

Fresh.

Air.

Who can help others when they themselves are suffocating?

Struggling for air.

Weak.

Tired.

Before I began my kitchen work, I took off my oxygen mask. No crisis. No need.

Tomorrow I'm certain I'll need it again. Maybe I'll walk off another day. Maybe I'll watch a movie. Maybe I'll just sit and be quite. Maybe.