Take Care

For whatever reason, I remember hearing and saying “take care” at the end of many conversations growing up. Instead of “goodbye” or “see you later,” the common phrase was, “Take care.” I write this because I just read an article about taking care of ourselves, and I realized it has been a long time since I have heard someone say, “Take care!” I am not suggesting that anyone change their vocabulary or common phrases—I am suggesting that Lent is a good time for us to “take care” of ourselves.

Now comes the part you may not have expected: taking on a spiritual discipline during the season of Lent is a great way to take care of ourselves! For example, although I am not Roman Catholic, I decided that this year I would use the “Breviary” as a daily morning discipline during Lent. The Breviary is a series of readings, prayers, and Psalms used daily by Catholics. If you attend Mass, much of what you do during worship comes from the Breviary. The reason I am using it is that it is a discipline I have never practiced before, and I believe it will add more structure to my quiet time. The Book of Common Prayer, which is Episcopalian, could be used just as well, by the way.

The truth is, though, that any spiritual discipline will do. Fasting, keeping a regular prayer time, reading, serving others, giving, centering prayer, meditation, contemplation, meeting with others for Christian conversation—many disciplines exist. If some of these interest you and you have never tried them, I would be more than happy to explain them as best I can and help you get started. The only thing I would like to encourage you to do is to take on a spiritual discipline during this season. If you fast, take the time you are fasting to read, pray, or do something for your spirit. If you serve others as a discipline, then use the time preparing to serve to pray, and follow your service with reflection and prayer. If you try meditation or contemplation, there are many books and articles to help you. The main thing is to learn how to deal with the distracting thoughts that will emerge—that is the real discipline of prayer, meditation, and contemplation.

All of the disciplines take time. They require time to plan and to implement. That is time you will take away from other things, such as worrying, fretting, and being anxious. Taking time away from worry and anxiety is a powerful way to care for yourself. Therefore, please do not see “spiritual discipline” as something that makes you anxious or worried. Instead, see it as a way to reduce worry and anxiety.

Footnote: It is possible that you may suffer from depression or clinical anxiety. I do not want to suggest that you can merely “pray” these struggles away. Please reach out for help while you pray over them. If you do not know of a competent counselor, I would be glad to suggest some to you.

Please take some time this season to “Take Care!”