2/16/10

Nurture Your Soul

I woke up this morning bleary eyed (as usual) and with a pounding headache (not usual).  I don't know about you, but headaches immediately put me in a bad mood.  It's like my head is constantly frowning, even if my face isn't.  I grumped my way through my morning bible study and then went to wake up the kids.  I still wasn't very awake so I decided to put on some good smelling lotion to make myself feel more awake.  It's my favorite lotion and I save it for special occasions (like headaches and needing to wake up I guess) because it's discontinued. 
After I put it on I started reading the lable.  It's a weird habit.  I've probably read this particular label a hundred times before, but this morning I really read it.

It states:  nourish your skin, nurture your soul.  As you soften and protect skin, breathe in the sensuous scent of amber myrrh and let it inspire true romance and total wellbeing whenever you need it most.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?  That's a pretty big claim for a little bottle of lotion.

I almost laughed out loud, when realized how I had missed it this morning.  I had just had an opportunity to spend time at the feet of the only One with power to nurture my soul and the source of true romance, and I was too concerned with my lack of sleep and my little headache to really pay attention to the LORD of all creation.   

It then brought to mind these verses: 
Psalm 23: 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (I also love that He says for His name's sake, but that's a story for another day).

Sometimes it is shocking how self absorbed I can be. How one miniscule thing can cloud my outlook for an entire day, week, month...you get the idea.

I also remembered the story behind the hymn "It is Well with My Soul".  Horatio Spafford had a little more going on than a mere headache.  And in the midst of his extreme heartache and loss, instead of curling up in the fetal position and giving up on life (kinda what I felt like doing this morning - I'm so pathetic) he penned one of the most beautiful hymns of praise I've ever heard.  If he was able to say "It is Well with My Soul" in his circumstances, how can I do anything less, but praise? 
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2010 11:59 AM

    My sin - oh the BLISS of this glorious thought! - my sin, not in part, but the WHOLE, is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more!!! PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD, OH MY SOUL!!!!

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  2. Elisa BFebruary 16, 2010 2:37 PM

    I too am obsessive about reading labels on all my bottles! That made me laugh ...
    I needed this - I have been emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted after Reuben's sickness. I even woke up with a headache this morning too! Though all the challenges, may we allow Him to nurture our souls. That will be something I attempt to meditate on the rest of the day ... I love you so much Mum!

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  3. sarah sungFebruary 16, 2010 5:51 PM

    Yeah.... It's a little eerie how much you remind me of me sometimes, Jeni. The 'independent' one to the bleary-eyed in the morn. Um.... and I woke up with a blinding headache this morning too.

    The only difference is................ my face............ always has a natural frown.... even when I'm smiling. :) --or should i say :(

    +s

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  4. Sarah KFebruary 17, 2010 8:40 AM

    That is so odd about everyone having headaches because I have been having headaches lately...although mine are usually in the evening and not the morning!

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