"We must be full reservoirs in order to let our water spill out without becoming empty, and we must possess the spirit with which we want them to be animated, for no one can give what he does not have."
St Vincent de Paul
Happy St. Vincent de Paul feast day! How handy that these wise words from St. Vincent piggyback on what we read yesterday! It absolutely makes sense that we must be filled spiritually before we can be poured out for others. We must treat ourselves kindly and compassionately in order to have more to offer others. It just wouldn't work to beat ourselves up and then go out and try to treat others well. How do we treat ourselves well, in this busy, hectic, dog-eat-dog world? First, we need to spend time with God. We need to spend time in silence with God, preferably with no other distractions (especially for those of us so easily distracted!) That time fuels us and gives us the nourishment we need to extend ourselves to others. Second, we need to treat our bodies well. We need to exercise and eat healthfully and care for our bodies. Our bodies are miracles in themselves and we can show our appreciation by treating them well! Third, we need to surround ourselves with community. We need the wisdom and nourishment of other people on our journey. Jesus had his disciples, we need our peeps, too. And finally, we need to reach out. We, who have been given so much, need to share. And in that, God is glorified. Blessings on your St. Vincent's day! Love, heidi
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