Today’s Reflection
In caring for others we use up a great deal of physical and mental energy. If we do not replenish these limited resources, we run the risk of compassion fatigue. We cannot fulfill our God-given calling to be compassionate human beings in bodies that are constantly neglected and overextended. How we feed, exercise, relax, listen to, and nourish our bodies are matters relevant to faithful discipleship. As Francis of Assisi lay dying, someone asked if he would have changed anything in his ministry. Significantly he responded, “I would have been more kind to my body.”
—Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2005)
Today’s Question
What do you do to relax and rejuvenate? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
—1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Early registration for our virtual event RESILIENCE | Practicing Compassion in a World of Conflict is ending on August 1st. For just $99, you can join us on September 29-30 as we explore the transformative power of compassion in a world marked by division. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
My morning time. I eat breakfast while I read the UR Daily Devotional as well as the associated Bible verses. I exercise everyday and play with the kitties.
Time in solitude helps me re-charge. Being in groups for social activities can exhaust me. I so very much enjoy tennis, but after the team matches – everyone hangs around and socializes. This is not my scene, but I do it. Honestly – I re-charge with one-on-one time with one of my closest friends. Having authentic, vulnerable conversations weirdly re-charges me. Also, worship on Sunday mornings is my “fill-me-up” from the past week, for the next week.
I saw my hospice patient again today and he was quite alert and very chatty. A family member came, so I cut my visit a bit short.
I met with my spiritual director, and again had a very good session. She is such a good listener and helps me sift through the chaff.
Played tennis with a lady from my team – we went at each other for an hour and a half – really good tennis.
My tennis friend has scheduled her double knee replacement. She will have it in November. She is going to get a cortisone shot to hold her through tennis playoffs in September and her trip with her husband to Italy in October.
I spoke with my doctor’s secretary today and pretty much firmed up my surgery date of August 16. I meet with him a week from tomorrow to get all the details.
Sent a message which has vanished . This is my second post. Know people who have or are are having knee and or hip replacements. It can be done and work well, be committed to doing what the doctor asks to rehab . The best rehab is at a center that focuses on this, Lasted two weeks, but you were ready to be home when done. Prayers for Jill, her friends, an all getting this surgery.
Prayers too for all in super hot places with or without high humidity and everyone who has or may face heavy rain and flooding.
Help is Here study was very uplifting, helpful, expansive. I recommend this book by Max Lucado.
Staying dry and dehumidified in NH
Thank You, Lord
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