Have you ever felt like you’re constantly in motion, but not really getting anywhere? The saying “burning the candle at both ends” captures this perfectly—it’s about sacrificing rest and well-being in pursuit of productivity, achievement, or even just staying above water.When was the last time you truly rested, with a full 8 hours of sleep? When was the last time you disconnect from the chaos around you? When was the last time you took time just for yourself? Sometimes, the worries and stresses of life make us feel like hamsters on a wheel—running as fast as we can, but never actually moving forward. Or, imagine your life as an hourglass. The sand is full at the top, but the moment you flip it, time begins slipping away, grain by grain. We rush through the day, often without a clear destination in mind.
Let me share a story. One day, a friend called to tell me about a dream they had involving me. In the dream, I was on a racetrack with other runners. The race began, and I found myself jumping from lane to lane. “Run!” my friend shouted from the sidelines, but I kept repeating, “I don’t know what lane I belong in!” The race continued, and I was still there, confused and unsure. My friend yelled, “Just run!”
The lesson here is simple but profound: I wasn’t lost because I couldn’t run; I was lost because I didn’t know where I was supposed to be. In life, are you running in the right lane? Do you even know which lane is yours? Or are you, like that hamster, burning out on endless cycles with no true destination?
There are only 24 hours in each day. How you choose to spend them determines the race you’re running. Pouring into others is a beautiful act, but pouring into yourself is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We are not our own; we were bought at a price. When you neglect your well-being, you are not only doing a disservice to yourself but to the Creator who entrusted you with the gift of life. Taking care of yourself—mind, body, and spirit—isn’t selfish; it’s a way of honoring the life you’ve been given. Your potential is like a light switch in a dark room. You have the power to illuminate your path, but you have to recognize that the power is within you.
Today, do something that feeds your soul, unapologetically. Take a moment to rest, recharge, and remember that your well-being is the foundation of all you hope to achieve. You deserve it. Imagine stepping off that wheel and finding clarity in the stillness. The time you give yourself will never be wasted—it will be the key to unlocking a life full of purpose and joy, as God intended.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because that moment might never come. Make today the day you prioritize yourself. Right now, set aside just five minutes—pause, breathe, and think about what you need. Commit to doing one thing today that’s just for you.
Flip that hourglass, choose your lane, and run your race—not anyone else’s. Because when you prioritize yourself, the world around you benefits from the best version of you. Go ahead: flick that light switch. The greatness within you is waiting to shine. Activate it. Own it. Claim it.
Remember: Your life, your body, and your time are sacred gifts. Honor them well.
