GRACE YOURSELF

 I have a major issue with time management. I’ll be on time, then I’ll just kind of lounge around or doom scroll until I have to scramble to get ready for the day. I do it almost religiously, then beat myself up with shoulda, coulda, wouldas the entire time. I know, insane. I understand that there are times when you can’t control what happens, but being in a rush almost every day can be avoided. 

Sometimes when I’m running late and freaking out, my husband will tell me to give myself grace. He sees how frustrated and irritated I get, so he tries to help me calm down and move forward. God bless him for how he deals with my shenanigans lol. 

Yesterday, in the midst of the scramble, I received a revelation. Giving myself time to prepare is giving myself grace. By giving myself time, I give myself peace. I can move at a normal pace instead of speed preparing (which I’m not super great at anyway, but that’s another story for another day). Giving myself time allows me to treat my body with care. It regulates my nervous system because once I’m in speed mode, my mind is all over the place. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CSB) says, “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. ”

When you allow yourself an adequate amount of time, or more than enough time, to get ready for your day, you are showing your body love and kindness, which are fruits of the Spirit. You are showing God you respect your time on this Earth, and you respect the body He made specifically for you. You show Him you love Him by loving yourself, the one He created and loves. You show Him respect by protecting your body and mind. You exhibit the wisdom He gave you when you prepare properly. You glorify God by honoring your body and your time. 

If you’re like me and you wait around until the last minute to prepare for your day, start today by giving yourself grace. Whatever that looks like for you. Start preparing some things the night before. Wake up an hour before you have to leave and not an hour before you have to be at your destination (there’s a difference). Put your mind and body at ease. We’re always ripping and running and our brains are working overtime every hour of every day. This one act of kindness towards yourself can rewire your brain and regulate your body for the rest of the day, and when it becomes a habit (gotta be consistent), the rest of your life. Get ready a little earlier today. Grace yourself. 

Always remember that I love you and I want you FREE IN CHRIST. Peace and blessings.