my day off

I often talk to people at church that speak of the things and places that help them relax after working all week.   Places at The Lakes, amazing vacations or beautiful places to eat out.

Again, I guess that's just not my idea of a day off.  Waking up when I want to, eating oatmeal on my deck, enjoying perfect weather that allows me to read God's Word and pray outside...these are what my soul longs for!  And today, finally, I have that type of morning to enjoy.  I am forever grateful!

Before going outside,  I sorted and created piles of laundry to be done, pulled my little laundry rack out to our deck and settled into my favorite chair - I drew in a deep breath and as I exhaled I began to praise Him.

When all is well praises are sometimes few.  When you walk through trials your appreciation deepens for even the most 'regular day'.

My devotions took me to several scriptures this morning, one of which was found in I Timothy - telling of Paul's persecution and his words that remind us that ALL who believe will be persecuted...

Persecution can of course come in all shapes and sizes, it can be physical, mental, imagined, disappointments that we choose to dwell on, mistreatment from people we considered friends and on and on....

So far today it's peaceful and event free - this time prepares me for what lies ahead.  My schedule is no more demanding than anyone else's, but the Lord knew how much I needed a regular day - and I rejoice in it and rest fully in it!

My day off

1 load of laundry is the extent of my cleaning today I've decided!  Protest!

Outside my window today I see little patches of orange and yellow, and although I LOVE the fall in Ohio, I am not prepared for what lies beyond it.  The horrible predictions for this winter are already out there so I choose to pretend it's further off then it is.

I'm trying to decide what will make it feel the most like a day off - the older you get the more you think about making time count.   And we were created to rest.... and spend time in the Word.

As I studied in Daniel today the devotion I was studying ended with this prayer, Father, capture the hearts of those lost in kingdoms of their own making — ourselves included — and seize our affections for you and you alone, the only true King. 


Kingdoms of our own making...whoa.  

I'm trying to view any potential conflict  or decision making first through the eyes of examining my own heart - does any push-back come from my 'selfish kingdom'?  From a 'how dare you question me' attitude?  I sure hope not, but what a question to use before reacting?

"My day-off prayer...Lord I'm SO interested in living for you, seeing with your perspective, understanding those that need help and that need you, and for a day of rest.  Amen."

my day off

Best beginning to a day for a while = a slow wake up!  Love it.  No alarm, no hurry, no responsibilities to hurry off to - the best!

I began my at home to do's:

laundry
a few dishes
baked peanut butter cookies
 of course Vern play
organizing one of my cabinets

Within this list you see nothing that is extraordinary, and it appears nothing that will last for eternity, nothing significant.

But I wonder, could it be that these kind of moments are what we need as the foundation of significance?

Sleep
organized home
fun

I know it sets me up for accomplishment.  When I know my responsibilities are done at home I willingly turn my attention to more difficult outside projects.  Things that aren't so simple.

It's been a really good, really simple, really satisfying day off!