Pamper Yourself (Philippians 2:1-4)

My wife is amazing. Her employer started an essay contest with a $100 prize. In less than 350 words entrants are to explain why they deserve to be pampered. She thought it would be great to write an essay demonstrating a Christian perspective. She asked me help her, and this is what we came up with:

Most days it is rare that I find the time to take a break and think about my routine. When I am not working, the rest of my time is divided between my family and household responsibilities.

Often, I am on the go, running around with two small children. My husband and I work hard to give them a fun and exciting childhood. Creating family memories: off to the zoo, the park, the museum . . . trying to make them happy. We buy them things, trying to give them the best, but the more they have, the more they want, creating more stress.

My husband and I find it difficult to connect with one another though the busyness of everyday life. We set aside time once a week, if we can, for a date night. We go out to eat to catch up and discuss our plans, our bills. Finding the time to schedule these dates is hectic. We try to relax, but sometimes we argue, creating more stress.

We fall into the same routines. Getting up, going to work, taking care of kids and collapsing in bed only to do the same the next day. It reminds me of the directions on the shampoo bottle: lather, rinse, repeat. When do we stop? What is the point? Is there a point? I was at church the other day, another one of the “things we do”. I was half-listening when I heard the pastor say, “We often feel hopeless because we are self-absorbed; we think life is about us. To get out of the rut, consider other people. Serving and helping those with need gives life meaning and purpose.”

Why do I deserve to be pampered?

I felt stress, and then I discovered 3,000 mothers in Africa watch their children die of Malaria daily. I found that this could be prevented with a ten dollar mosquito net. While I would love an extra hundred dollars, I would rather pamper ten of these mothers. Besides, finding a sitter so I could be pampered myself would end up creating more stress!

Did I mention she is amazing?