In a life of service, we commit ourselves to caring for those around us. But the parables we read today reveal that we cannot give our best to those around us if we are depleted—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

In Mwandi, Zambia, we see an example of this truth in the experience of pregnant women who live far distances from their nearest health facility.

They will travel for hours over impossibly bumpy and sometimes flooded terrain in the back of an oxcart. Their destination is a CMMB-constructed Mothers’ Shelter located near the health facility. The shelter is simple, but it is clean and comfortable. Importantly, it provides pregnant women with regular access to trained health professionals all the way through delivery.

The journey is not easy, nor are the weeks spent away from home. But in prioritizing their own health, these mothers prioritize the health of their babies. And their choice ripples outward, too, encouraging other expectant mothers to seek the same care.

Jesus calls us to love and serve others to the best of our ability, but we cannot fully do so without caring for ourselves. Whether through rest, reflection, or seeking help when we need it, caring for ourselves allows us to walk with strength and compassion in Jesus’ footsteps.