These days, the idea of self-care is very “now,” and used to sell everything from self-help books and mediation CDs to scented candles, essential oils and gourmet chocolates. In my household, we talk about self care often, especially with my three daughters. We seem to always be working on ways to deal with anxiety and the stressors of daily life. One thing that I think we’ve all agreed on is that true self-care has to be more than a pumpkin spice latte or a walk in the woods, as lovely as those things are.

Thankfully, pastor and author April Yamasaki’s latest book, Four Gifts, opens the door to a journey towards self care that is deeper than we’ve heard, and surprisingly ancient, even biblical. Yamasaki presents the notion that biblical self care is not “Me first!” as much as it is “Me too!” Too often, Christians reject the idea of self care, labeling it as selfish and self centered. Yamasaki counters this with scripture, pointing out that Jesus Himself knew the value of taking care of Himself so that He would be available to minister to those around Him in freedom and love.

Yamasaki uses scripture, the wisdom of Christian leaders past and present, and stories from her personal life and the lives of believers seeking the balance between cheerful giving and restorative self-care to paint a picture in which gentle, disciplined attitudes and actions can make all of us stronger, in faith, in service and most importantly, in love.

By addressing the heart, soul, mind and strength separately and in detail, Yamasaki is able to pull together truths and practices from many different traditions, to support the premise that self-care is not only important, but vital for today’s Christian.

Yamasaki is inspirational as well as unfailingly practical, freely offering concrete steps  that will help us nurture and strengthen our emotional, spiritual, mental and physical health. She’s like a kind, wise mentor, taking us aside, pouring us a cup of tea and then through open and honest conversation, leading us to a place that we’ve needed to be.

Four Gifts is an important read, and one that you’ll be thinking about and working into your life long after you’ve finished the last page.