Sometimes you just need a day off. Today I got one; my own little personal mental/spiritual health day. I'd been feeling like I wanted to take one a some point over the summer, but most of my PTO days are already accounted for in planned trips/holidays. But God, in His amazing goodness, provided -- via my bosses who gave our little team a paid holiday. What a blessing!
I woke up several times during the night/morning to the beautiful sound of rain. It was the first night all month that was cool enough to have the windows open, so the sound was even more beautiful to hear than just the tapping on the roof. I could hear it dancing on the grass, the trees, and the wooden deck.
I slept till I wasn't really sleepy then spent the rest of the morning sitting by my corner windows, in my dad's chair, reading and listening to a thunderstorm roll through. It was the most amazing, wonderful morning I've had in ages; the perfect weather, and the perfect morning. I didn't budge from my perch by the windows till after noon, when hunger finally drove me to the kitchen in search of sustenance.
I've spent most of the rest of my day reading, and swinging on my porch swing and just watching the world go by.
It's days like today that I wish time would just stop and let me soak it all in; the beauty all around me, the comfort within my home, the peace and serenity of solitude.... Alone with God and not afraid. Alone with God and not confused. Just alone with God and soaking it in.
I needed today. More than anyone (but God) could have known. Certainly I didn't know how much I needed to just be silent, and to silence the noise in my soul. No homework, no recovery work, no work-work, no doings, no performance, no busy-ness, no agenda to accomplish, no to-do lists to get through... just rest, silence and restoration.
There really is a God who can, and will, restore me to sanity if I will but let Him. Today I think He did.
Thank you for this reminder, Lu. My life has been sharp-edged and unkind, and this post was a nudge back toward our God, who has been nothing but kind to me.
Posted by: Larry | July 29, 2008 at 05:30 AM
Hi : ) I appreciate your writings. Happened upon your blog one day while searching something out and put it on my favorites. You have a wonderful and honest way of communicating about God. Just wanted to let you know that the overflow of your walk with Him splashes on those you don't even know. Be blessed today.
Posted by: Denese B. | August 05, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Please don't wait until August 23rd to post again.
June 27th and July 25th... some of us actually miss you being around.
Posted by: Joe Kennedy | August 11, 2008 at 02:40 AM
Sorry!!! I kinda suck at blogging at the moment, don't I? I'll try to do better... just been a difficult time at the moment.... post coming tonight, I promise. :)
Posted by: Lu | August 11, 2008 at 10:01 PM