14/15 February 2020, 19/20 Shvat 5780

Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. So wrote Parker Palmer.

The constant search for a good life; one where we give as much as we receive is a reasonable goal and where we live easily and thoughtfully. Where life is both bearable and even joyful.

This week’s portion is Yitro. Moses’ father-in-law (clearly a highly functioning and astute priest of Midian) told him, “What you are doing is not good.” He was referring to the state of exhaustion Moses was in daily; the burden and centrality he gave himself to serve the people. Basically Yitro told Moses to delegate.

We serve no-one well when we we wear ourselves out. It’s rather nice to be reminded that self care is good stewardship. Consider what changes you could make in your lives to enable this.

Wishing you a peaceful and restorative Shabbat.

Rebecca