“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
The Process:
It strikes me how little emphasis (aka. value) we, collectively, place on our soul. We were in a meeting at the university a few weeks ago dealing with some really important issues for the health of students. As we walked back to our car we talked about the elephant in the room that was never addressed - the soul. There was lots of good attention given to our mind and our body but absolutely nothing addressing the deepest part of us. I, of course, understand the reasons in that setting. But I wanted to scream, “We’re missing the most critical piece!”
Body, mind, soul - all connected are a 3-legged stool.
Read the Moment:
What about Soul Care speaks to or stirs something in you? Is it a stirring for more? Of guilt?
What comes to mind initially as you think about caring for your soul?
Reflect on the Moment:
As you read and ponder this, how would you say you are doing in the care and feeding of your soul?
How do you think those closest to you (spouse, roommate, best friend..) would answer that? Maybe ask them.
Can you identify places of health and places of unhealth? Balance and imbalance? Write them down.
Respond to the Moment:
What are a couple of simple things that you could do or change that would help to feed and care for your soul? Maybe it’s making some time in your day to “sharpen the saw” with the Word of God and some intentional conversation with Him about your soul.
WEEKLY REFLECTIONS
Week 1: How do you define a healthy soul? What are characteristics you can identify?
Week 2: What are the obstacles to a healthy soul that you see and experience? In the world around us? In your personal life?
Week 3: What are 1 or 2 simple things that you can add or change or remove that might help you move towards a more healthy, balanced soul? (ex. Don’t have your phone on or near you during time you spend with God. Spend at least as much time in scripture/prayer as you do on social media.)
Week 4: Who are people that you can talk to regularly about the state of your soul? Set a time to get coffee or lunch. Or, invite them to your table. (see below)
SETTING THE TABLE
Opener: “I was reading this week about the idea of Soul Care". What comes to your mind when you hear “soul care”?
Main: How do you do or not do this in your life right now? What are your biggest challenges or obstacles?
Closer: Are there any specific ways we can help and encourage each other in the care and feeding of our souls?
Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
4 quarts of water
5 chicken bouillon cubes
1 medium yellow onion diced
1 lb peeled and sliced carrots
1 lb pulled chicken meat
8 ounces wide egg noodles
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Method
1. Fill your stock pot with the water, bouillon cubes, onions, white pepper, butter and cook over medium high heat. Allow contents to come to a rolling simmer, stirring occasionally and then reduce heat to medium. After about 10 minutes, add your carrots.
2. Cook your noodles according to the recipe on the back of the package until al dente and then let them cool down. I like to cook them separately because they hold better for a couple of days without breaking down in your soup. And it will leave with some broth instead of your noodles continuing to soak it all up.
3. Add your pulled chicken meat and noodles, then allow the meat to heat through. Your soup is done at this point and ready to be consumed. Grab some saltines, a warm blanket and call it a day.
Note: There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chicken noodle soup. I've yet to come across someone who didn't care for it. But I have come across many friends who's mothers or grandmothers created different renditions of the classic. Even if chicken noodle soup wasn't the quintessential prescription for healing your ailments, I still believe it would be the go-to when you were feeling under the weather. This soup is perfect year-round and a great way to entertain a group of friends in a moments notice.
--Recipe provided by Nashville Chef and Owner of The Salted Table: Charles Hunter III