“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance”

“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”

by Oscar Wilde

I have to ask myself – do I really love myself? Isn’t loving myself selfish, or at best, weird? Jesus says, “No, it is not.” In fact, he commands that we “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and sets this as the second most important commandment. The first is this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:28-31)

How many times do I dismiss my own personal needs of exercise and fresh air, proper healthy eating habits, or getting enough sleep? I reason with myself that there’s not enough time in the day to study God’s word or to pray. I’m too busy, or too tired. Excuses, excuses—always plenty of time for excuses.

If I really want to fulfill what God desires for me, which is for good and not evil, I must take time for exercise, establish healthy eating habits, and time alone with God.

When I commit to those tasks of nurturing my mind, body, and soul, I’ll be aptly equipped to nurture the souls of others. Then, I can experience the beginning of a true life-long romance.

.