Me Time. We hear this phrase so often in our culture today.
“I need time for me.”
“When do I get some time for myself?”
“Go to the spa for some me time.”
“Girls’ night out!”
“You deserve it.”
“You’re worth it.”
What is true “me time”? Is it perusing local shops, buying new clothes, indulging in a manicure, handing our kids off to a babysitter, or splurging on that chocolate éclair we’ve been eyeing all week?
Is this what “me time” should be? Is there anything inherently wrong with those things? No. Is there anything spiritually or eternally important in those things? No.
Perhaps “me time”, should be “we time”: time between us and God. Time to grow our hearts and souls, rather than our wardrobes or our relaxation.
Think about it. When we drop our kids off with a babysitter to get a manicure and come back to a crying kid or messy house, does that aura of relaxation last? Or, does it vanish like a mirage at the first hint of reality we encounter?
When we fill ourselves with Christ, with spiritual encouragement and rejuvenation, rather than passing pleasures, we are building a sense of inner peace that lasts. That way, even when our world is crumbling and we desperately long for the coveted “me time” we can find a place of rest within ourselves that has been cultivated over time.
Sure, it is nice to get some time away and there is nothing wrong with enjoying a night off or a foot scrub, but are we spiritually full when we do those things? Those temporal delights will fade quickly if we are seeking them as our antidote to reality.
“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)
Haven’t we been promised that if we delight in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart? (Psalm 37:4)
He will give us rest, and calm, and lasting peace.
Remember Martha and Mary. Martha was so busy preparing food for her Savior that she missed out on the most important thing: time with her Savior. Mary chose the better thing. She didn’t declare that she needed time for herself and then head down to the local hot springs for a dip. She landed, instead, at the feet of her Savior.
Are you taking time for your Savior before you take time for yourself?
The next time you feel the need for some “me time”, grab your Bible and a cup of coffee or tea (or lemonade as the days grow warmer) and indulge in the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) as you meet with the One who has good plans for you(Jeremiah 29:11).
By Jenny, The Sweet Stuff
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Amen! I really like how you stated that ‘me time should be we time’. So true! Next time I go on to spend time alone, I won’t! — I’ll spend it with God.
Thank you for these truths…
–Acacia (ahh cass ee ahh)
I so much appreciate this post today! Lately I’ve felt a tug to get away and write with God – taking myself away from distractions to hear what He wants me to write about, and to just listen to His prompting and most of all to receive His peace. Your post today can transform thinking!
Rich blessings in your quiet time, Jenny…
Great post and much to think about. I agree that nothing is wrong with the manicure, shopping, etc but as you stated is our spiritual tank being refueled.
“Sure, it is nice to get some time away and there is nothing wrong with enjoying a night off or a foot scrub, but are we spiritually full when we do those things?”
We need that “we time” where God can speak to us and pour into us so that we can pour out to others. I agree with Amy’s response above. I want to write (journal) what God speaks to me – I don’t want to write just for the sake of writing. And I think you wrote today what God placed on your heart to help us align our priorities.
Thanks and Be Blessed.
I so agree with what you said!!! Thanks for the words!!
So often I push aside my time with God for “productive” things that “need to be done”. How convicting! Thanks for the reminder.
Very true! The only way to truly “recharge” is to spend some time with our source of strength. Great post! 🙂
Such a great post. I’m guilty of using “me time” for productivity or relaxation but never feeling fullfilled. Lately I keep thinking maybe I need a week away from all responsibilities to relax and have “me time”. To be honest, “me and God time” would not have been on my mind. Thanks for letting God speak through you.
Me time as We time…love that thought! And isn’t it amazing that the God of the universe WANTS to spend time with us? Wow, I will never get over how cool that is!
David Wilkerson’s blog post was about this very subject today! God is telling me something. He’s calling me!
I’ve been asking the Lord to take away that desire for me time. I think He is, and I think I am much more satisfied with this beautiful, rich life because of it.
Thanks for this post! Great reminder.
You are so right. I find that “ME time” finds me just wanting more, it doesn’t satisfy. The more I have, the more I want! But “WE time” equips and encourages me for daily challenges.
Of course we need time for things we enjoy, but this is a great reminder to put those things in perspective.