I did a bit of hibernating this weekend. Oh, I managed to take care of my usual errands on Saturday, but I was home by 1:00 and spent the rest of the weekend doing as little as possible. Sometimes I just need time to think and rest and unwind. I’m a bit of a recluse by nature and sometimes being sociable takes more energy than I care to acknowledge. It has also been a very emotional week and not just because of Friday. And I have some physical limitations that just needed a little recuperation time. When my pain levels rise I know it is time to slack off a little.
So…because of my weekend I begin this week rested, refreshed, renewed, and ready to face whatever happens.
It has taken many years for me to arrive at this level of self-awareness and self-preservation. When I was younger I often burned the midnight oil for someone or something. I was usually tired and cranky, over-worked and underappreciated, unhealthy and resentful. I didn’t realize that most of it was my own fault. I seldom said “no” to any worthy cause or request. Yes, I had children to raise and a household to manage and work to do and commitments to church and community. But even with responsibilities and requirements there were times when I had the option to say no and didn’t. There were times when I could have rested or delegated tasks and didn’t…out of pride or stubbornness or whatever.
I suppose it is the nature of women to feel indispensible. It is the nature of women to care of others. But it takes a while for us to realize that in caring for ourselves we improve our ability to care for others in our lives. By renewing our minds and bodies and spirits we can do a better job of meeting the needs of our families and friends and co-workers.
The Bible speaks often of renewing our minds and spirits. It offers many ways to do this, but the primary one is to read the word of God and to be ever mindful of His power and promises. I hope as you continue with your holiday plans you not only remember the reason why we celebrate, but also take time to rest and relax and renew your strength.
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