This week, I did something for myself: I took a bath. Now, before you start laughing and saying, “Girl, that’s the tea? A bath?” hear me out. For me, it actually was a big deal. I’m usually the type to jump in the shower at the end of the day tired and ready to fall across the bed. But the other night, I decided I wanted more than a rushed bedtime routine. I wanted peace.
I turned on the hot water, added some Dr. Teals Elderberry Bubble Bath, dropped a couple of bath bombs into the tub, and gave myself permission to slow down. Not because everything on my to-do list was finished. I did it because I needed it.
While I soaked in the tub, I prayed, read my devotional, and enjoyed the quiet. No notifications, checking emails, or thinking about what needed to be done next. For once, I wasn’t checking off another box on my endless to-do list. I was simply being still. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what we need. Just a moment to breathe, a moment to rest, and a moment to remember that we are human beings, not humans constantly doing
Even Jesus stepped away from the crowds to pray and spend time with the Father. Luke 5:16 tells us that He often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. If Jesus made room to step away from the crowds, why do we act like we have to be available every minute of every day?
The world will keep spinning and acting up. The laundry will still be there. The emails can wait. If you’ve been running on fumes lately, consider this your reminder to make a little room for yourself this week. Take the bath, sit on the patio, take that walk, get that manicure, enjoy a quiet breakfast where you actually have time to chew it instead of rushing out the door with no food in your belly. Whatever it looks like for you, give yourself permission to receive some of the same care, grace, and kindness that you so freely give to everyone else.
This Week’s Tea: Rest is not a reward for finishing everything. It’s part of caring for the woman God created you to be. So, take a breath, loosen your shoulders, and stop carrying the weight of the world for a minute. And if all you do for yourself this week is take a bath? Sis, take that bath. You deserve to give your crown a rest.
Arlesia Cummings, (Founder, Creative & Community Lead)