On our A to Z journey, I am allowing the article written by Jennifer Rainey Marquez titled “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try”[i] in a recent Good Housekeeping magazine to be our guide. The idea she offers for the letter “r” is rub down.

Research tells us that a massage can send you to a state of mental bliss. It can improve your body image and ease anxiety. And all it takes is a five-minute massage!

I must admit, I enjoy a little rub down. On occasion I pamper myself with a manicure. But I have found this great little place up the road (okay, I’ll give a shout out to Orchard Nails) that offers chocolate manicures.

In a session, chocolate is drizzled on your arms and hands, warm stones are used to massage the chocolate into your skin, and then warm towels are wrapped over the chocolate to intensify the scent and sensation.

This particular manicure not only boosts my attitude by the massage, the aroma of chocolate follows me throughout the day and that really enhances my mental state.

I’m reminded of a biblical account in Luke of a similar scene (Luke 7:36-50). Jesus had been invited to have dinner with a Pharisee.

As they were eating, a woman entered the room and stood behind Jesus. The woman began to weep. Her tears flowed to Jesus’ feet and she washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. But this woman wasn’t finished. She kissed Jesus’ feet and poured perfume on them.

I suspect this was an awkward moment, because the Pharisee said something. Whether it was under his breath or in his head, Jesus heard it. What harmful words this Pharisee spoke. Not only did he accuse the woman of being a sinner, but he doubted that Jesus was even a prophet and certainly not the Son of God.

Jesus, in His kindness toward those who need Him the most, turned to the woman and forgave her sins. In His teaching, Jesus said, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47 – NIV)

Can you imagine the weight that was lifted from this sinful woman’s heart in that moment? Her love for Jesus and her faith in Him brought about forgiveness of sin and peace. I can only imagine how much her attitude was boosted by this encounter with Jesus.

Perhaps you are in need of this same type of encounter with Jesus. If so, why not reach out to someone who will be able to walk beside you on this journey? I pray that you will not let another day go by where you are burdened by such despair. Friend, hope is waiting for you. Your life can be changed in a moment by accepting Jesus as your Savior.

If your spirit needs a little boost today, why not ask the Holy Spirit to give your heart a rub down. Maybe to ease away the burdens of the day. Maybe to soften the edges of bitterness. Maybe to temper the temper. Or maybe to wash away the guilt of sin. These are just examples of what God’s Spirit can do in your life. It could be time to have a seat at God’s table and see what He can do with your life.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 115.