The Gentle Squirrel: Learning to Be Kind to Yourself
Finding Rest in God’s Grace When Anxiety Runs Wild
Verse of the Day:
"Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted (compassionate, understanding), forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you."
— Ephesians 4:32 (AMP)
Have you ever watched a squirrel in action?
They’re always moving—darting from tree to tree, digging for buried acorns, twitching their tails in nervous energy. They’re busy little creatures, always thinking ahead, preparing for what’s next. But if you’ve ever seen one suddenly freeze, wide-eyed and uncertain, you’ve also seen something familiar—anxiety.
Life can feel a lot like that sometimes. Running around, trying to get everything done, worrying about the future, or feeling the weight of mistakes from the past. But what if God is inviting us to be a little more gentle—with others and with ourselves?
Squirrel Fact:
Squirrels are expert nest-builders. They create cozy, protective nests called dreys, woven together with twigs, leaves, and moss. These nests provide them a place to rest and feel safe.
A Gentle Reminder:
Squirrels instinctively know they need a safe space. Yet, how often do we deny ourselves the same?
Instead of pushing yourself relentlessly or holding onto anxiety like a buried acorn, God invites you to build a space of grace—a place where you can breathe, let go, and trust Him.
Ephesians 4:32 isn’t just about how we treat others; it’s also about how we treat ourselves. Being tender-hearted means extending kindness not only outward but inward.
When you stumble, give yourself grace.
When you feel overwhelmed, take time to rest.
When you make mistakes, forgive yourself as freely as Christ forgives you.
Application:
What "nest" are you building in your heart? Is it a place of kindness and trust in God, or a place of stress and self-criticism?
What’s one way you can be gentler with yourself today—whether through rest, self-forgiveness, or surrendering your worries to God?
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending kindness and compassion. Help me to extend that same love to myself. When I feel anxious and overwhelmed, remind me that I don’t have to do everything perfectly. I can rest in Your grace, knowing that You are my safe place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You Are Beloved.
Just as a squirrel builds a safe place to rest, let your heart be a space of grace—not just for others, but for yourself.
With love and grace,
Elizabeth
🌻 Decree & Declare:
I declare that I will be gentle with myself, extending the same grace and patience that God gives me. Anxiety does not define me—God’s love does.