Matthew 22:39 and Decision Fatigue: How “Dump Meals” Save Your Mental Energy
365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 39
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Devotional
Matthew 22:39
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mental Health Insight – When our anxiety and depression is at its highest taking care of ourselves seems like a task far too great at times. However, if we teach ourselves to find ways to make taking care of ourselves easy and not a heavy burden, this will continue to replicate in our relationships with others. Finding simple recipes not only make sure one’s basic needs are met but also helps reduce the mental load. By meeting one’s self where they are at instead of where one might think “it should be”, is a form of self compassion we all deserve.
Faith Connection – Many of us will shame ourselves for even considering loving ourselves. However, the way that we love and respect ourselves replicated in our relationships with others. We cannot expect to fully love others to our best ability if we are unable to show ourselves the BASIC love and compassion we need to thrive.
For the days when everything feels a bit too heavy, here is a simple comfort meal to ensure you’re practicing self-compassion and meeting your basic needs with the care you deserve.
Easy Comfort Bake Meal
5 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake.
Ingredients:
- 1 Bag of Refrigerated Tortellini (Cheese or spinach—found in the deli aisle).
- 1 Jar of your favorite Marinara or Pink Sauce.
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese.
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Dump: Pour the raw tortellini and the jar of sauce into a baking dish. Stir it once so the pasta is covered. (No need to boil the water first!)
- Topping: Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and brown.
- Enjoy: Eat it while it’s warm. It’s soft, cheesy, and filling.
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Reflection Questions: When you aren’t stressed about a messy kitchen or a hard recipe, how does that make you more “present” for the people you love?
Prayer Dear God, thank You for simple mercies like a warm meal and a quiet moment. On the days when I feel like I have very little to give, thank You for being enough. Help me to nourish my body with kindness today, knowing that I am Your precious child. Amen
Closing Thoughts
You have completed Day 39 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge! I tried to switch things up today and think outside of the box. I hope you will try this simple recipe and let me know how you liked it!
Have a simple recipe that others might benefit from? Leave a comment below and let us try!
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I hope you all have the best and most blessed day!
Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student
Disclaimer
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
I absolutely love this devotional for the day! I am going to make this meal for my husband and I this coming week! Thank you for always sharing such beautiful and applicable messages in these devotions.
Hello Gabriele! I am so happy to hear this! I was actually nervous if people would like this one. Im so glad people do!
I’m catching up. It wasn’t what I expected. I’ve had people say,”I’m glad I’m not your neighbor,” as they learned how hard I can be on myself. Maybe I will make the food this Tuesday.