Spa for the Soul
by Carolyn Allen

A new year is here. For most of us, that means making new resolutions, which are often centered on finding ways to take better care of ourselves. So, what about the resolution of Me Time? Is this a selfish thought?

I don’t think so. Not when it involves the body, soul and spirit. Our husbands, children, family and friends all pull at us for attention. But who’s in your corner? What about scheduling time just for you?

There’s actually a danger when we don’t do this. We can wind up growing weary in well-doing, becoming ineffective, and yes, even grouchy!

After I wrote the book The Coach’s Wife, I received many requests for a Bible study workbook for coaches’ wives. With our husbands always “in season,” it can be difficult to meet regularly with other coaches’ wives for support and encouragement. Our husbands can’t read our minds. We often have to say, “Honey, I need this two-hour time for six weeks. Will you help me out?”

Maybe you already make time for regular group Bible study. Maybe you cozy up and study alone because you’re the only coach’s wife on the staff! Or maybe you want to form a group but haven’t found the time. It’s like starting a savings account—that first step is the challenge. But like I said, we all need it, and it’s well worth it.

“As the new year gets underway, I want you to promise me that you’ll take care of yourself. And the best way to do that is by allowing Him to take care of you.”

Let me relate this to the spa—a girl’s day away from it all. In the workbook I mentioned, there are six biblical beauty treatments—two that we will talk about here—for you and your group of coaches’ wives, those wonderful women who share your same struggles and experiences.

At this spa, we retreat into a tranquil oasis and time with friends who really understand us. You can almost hear the soothing sounds of the fountain, smell the fragrance of orange blossoms and drink in the moisture of fresh, clean water. After all the pressure of your lifestyle, you deserve some pampering.

Just like our bodies, our souls need deep-tissue treatments. In fact, our souls are more neglected! They become parched from emotional strain, toxic thoughts and lack of meditation.

Every good spa advocates hydration. What could be better than the water of the Word of God? Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14, KJV); and, “He that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35b, KJV).

The six rejuvenating treatments I mentioned will awaken your senses. The first is called Acceptance. How often do we, as coaches’ wives, move with our husbands and wonder, “How will I fit in?” We yearn for acceptance and try so hard to do and say the right things. We hope to find a good friend at each coaching “stop” who will love us for who we are. The real source of our acceptance, however, comes from Heaven. God’s desire for a relationship with us is born out of His eternal love for us. “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love...” (Ephesians 1:4, MSG). One of the most exciting discoveries in the Bible is that God accepts and uses imperfect people. If you need extra encouragement, read through Hebrews chapter 11 and see how God can use us, just as He did the imperfect heroes of faith.

Another spa treatment is Cleansing. Our husband’s seasons, and the relationships that accompany them, are stressful. Unforgiveness and bitterness can creep in. Even our homes fill with clutter during the season and need a good cleaning. However, for our souls, we need exfoliation—a good scrubbing! We beg for refreshment and restoration. God in His grace gave us 1 John 1:9 (NIV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us ours sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” A clean conscience yields a healthy heart and soul.

The Lord wants to bathe your feet and your spirit. As the new year gets underway, I want you to promise me that you’ll take care of yourself. And the best way to do that is by allowing Him to take care of you. Make it a priority!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Allen is a published author and the wife of Randy Allen, head football coach at Highland Park High School in Dallas. For more information, visit her Web site: thecoachswife.com.

*For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.