| For some people, if they were to be brutally honest with themselves, they would define their identity as, “I’m okay if you are okay with me.” In some circles, folks may label themselves as helpers, givers, or befrienders. They are generous with their time and resources and excel in relationships. Normally they can sense the needs of another person without being told. Very gifted with discerning the needs of others but struggle with naming their own (needs). It is here – with their own needs – that God wants to do a good work. When those who need to be needed are most self-aware, they can recognize their own needs and the needs of others. They don’t have to sacrifice themselves for others. It doesn’t have to be “either/or” but “both/and.” If I’m describing you, consider the spiritual discipline of solitude. When one is alone, their focus can be on themself, which is not selfish. In times of solitude, one’s attention can be redirected inwardly. Remember, how one loves oneself is the model for how one loves another. At the same time, focus on who you are in Christ, even if you never help another person. Granted, you might help another person in the future, and odds are you will, but who you are is different from what you do. They are worlds apart. We are healthiest when we know the difference. Finally, practice saying, “No.” When one is overly focused on other people’s needs at the expense of their own needs, the identity will always be liked to what other people think, say, or do. Instead, one’s identity is linked to God who says, “You are okay because I am okay. Allow Me to meet your needs.”  This Week’s Readings: * Monday – Mark 14 * Tuesday – Mark 15 * Wednesday- Mark 16 * Thursday – Galatians 1 * Friday- Galatians 2 Prayer Requests: *An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Give our leaders extra wisdom as they navigate this pandemic and economic uncertainty. *Help for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |