Having a healthy spiritual life means different things to different people. Chris and I are actively involved in our church, and our church family has supported us through many of life’s joys and sorrows. Churches, Bible study groups, fellowship or small groups and the like can provide accountability, encouragement, suggestions of resources and even respite care support when you need it…but you have to speak up and share your needs within these spiritual circles of trust. Our church family has celebrated one daughter’s wedding, our infant son’s death, the loss of Chris’s mother and many smaller milestones along the way. We love these people for how they have been family to us the last 20+ years, and we wouldn’t survive without them! Our church family takes care of us when we need them most, and we, in turn, take care of others out of the spiritual nurture we receive there.
Chris and I both grew up in Christian homes. We both accepted Christ at an early age and began to grow spiritually from the time we were children. We both entered vocational ministry in our mid-twenties prior to our marriage. We have walked very similar paths in this respect. Today the nurture of our spiritual lives involves daily (at least most days) Bible study, prayer and meditation, regular fellowship with other Christians, mission or service projects, and stewardship of our gifts and resources to represent Christ to others we meet along our life journey.
None of us are perfect in our spiritual lives. My friend Kyle Matthews is a Christian singer/songwriter who wrote a song made famous by Bob Carlisle some years back called We Fall Down. The chorus goes like this:
We fall down, we get up,
We fall down, we get up,
We fall down, we get up,
And the saints are just the sinners
Who fall down and get up.
I fall down…a lot! But when I accept God’s forgiveness for my shortcomings and ask Him for help with challenges or extreme needs, I always find that His provision of grace is exactly what I need to get up again. God’s provision may not be what I asked for, or what I thought I needed, but I can clearly see in hindsight why His way was perfect for my situation. And people who practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, Scripture study, journaling, and worship on a regular basis indicate that they experience feelings of hope, peace, and joy. They are generally not depressed and can cope with life’s challenges in healthier ways. Furthermore, many spiritual people are physically healthier as well! By nurturing your spiritual health, you will fortify your capacity to care for the people within your care.
What’s your best spiritual discipline for finding God’s grace? And how do you keep it fresh and vibrant in your life? Join the conversation and share your heart!
Heart of the Caregiver 