Three Rs

Have you ever had a time that you didn't realize how tired you were until you slowed down? Me too. Sometimes the fatigue is physical, sometimes it is mental, and sometimes it is emotional. Periodic rest, relaxation, and reflection are critical to our well-being.

Jesus and His disciples experienced this too. Mark 6:30-31 - "The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat."

The Referee is attending a convention in Florida with his softball work and he brought us with him! Softball has been a blessing in our life in so many ways.

I have been very busy for a very long time...but had not realized the toll it was taking. Until Saturday morning when we went for a walk on the beach together I didn't know how much I needed a break. There are no deadlines, no phone ringing too much, no housework, no school work, no unfinished projects. There is the beauty of the water and sand, and always the soothing sound of the waves on the beach. There is also time for reading and writing and resting, things I have had little time for in the last several months. And best of all there is time for family walks, watching movies with My Only Sunshine, painting fingernails & toenails, and having long talks about important things - or nothing. Yes, we always talk a lot, but our conversations are sandwiched in between other things. I crave time like this with just our little family, without all the interruptions of life.

This time of rest, relaxation, and reflection is reminding me yet again of the need for us to slow down and be more focused on the right things. When I evaluate our schedule and activities, I always debate with myself about how much is necessary and how much is too much. It seems that very often MOS has little or no discretionary time. The discussion in my head goes something like this: "Is it necessary for her to be so busy all day?" "Yes - she's in training to be a godly wife and mother!" "When does she have opportunity to practice the "feminine arts", do free reading, do Bible study of interest to her, correspond with friends, or just relax?" "Well...adult life really is that busy; I want her to be prepared." "I don't want to rush her through her girlhood years." "I can't waste a moment to train her for her future."

Isn't there a happy medium? I'm praying for courage and balance.