This morning I received a newsletter from a friend in Florida. He sends these to Joe and I occasionally. I thought the message was so appropriate for summertime. We are experiencing a heat wave right now, and I have been taking it easy...slowing my life down and doing ordinary things that I would normally not pay attention to. Instead of rushing to water the flowers...I am taking time to watch the drops of water as they gather on the leaves, instead of rushing to fill the feeders, I am filling them and then sitting to watch the birds as they enjoy the treats, instead of hurrying to fix our meal of the day...I am looking for simpler, appetizing things to eat...maybe watermelon, or a salad. A nap in the afternoon isn't unheard of at our house. Then we come to reading...I have read so much more this summer.....both fun books and spiritual. I have taken these books out to the porch or a chair in the yard to read.A phone call to a friend yesterday...we talked for a long time . I enjoyed this time with her...Joe asked what we talked about...I said everything. This morning found me up the road, taking pictures in my neighbor's back yard. Then a trip over to Church to rehang the door pieces. I looked around at the beauty there and took a few pictures of the Grotto and Mary's Garden. A volunteer worker came as I left...an older woman with a floppy straw hat. She didn't look my way, but I think it was Kathy who is a dedicated worker. When I got home, I checked my email and this newsletter was here for me to read. I really enjoyed it...I hope you do too. Balisha
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July- Time to "Catch Your Breath"
There is much
value in finding time to slow down, to take a vacation, to kick-back and to
relax. July is such a time, and I recommend it to you. In Hebrew, the word for
"rest" is menuha and has been loosely translated as "to catch your breath."
A recent survey
of 20,000 Christians revealed that busyness and constant overload is a major
problem. A common theme I hear from retirees is, "I am so busy now, I don't
know how I ever found the time to work." Odd, isn't it? Many look forward to
retiring as a time to 'catch their breath' only to find an oppressive busyness
fills their days.
So I invite you
to relax this month. Sit and stare at an evening sky. Marvel at a rainstorm.
Enjoy the intricacies of a spiderweb. Read that book that you haven't had time
to read. Pick up the phone and call the person that you have been thinking
about. Remember.... God breathed into Adam's nostrils the breath of life and
he lived.
Be still... and
know that I am God. Pause. Slow down. Stop. And may God breathe into you, as
he did with Adam, the 'Breath of Life'. It will be wonderful summer if you find
the time to 'catch your breath.'
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7 comments:
Balisha, I love the letter.
So true
In my area this morning
over 100 heat index.
I ventured out a moment ago
because the butterflys are everywhere.
They disappeared when I approached the garden.
I was breathless
and back inside
I have not read much this summer
seems after chores and lunch
I am so weary
cannot even read....
Balisha,
I really needed this today. I have the month of July "off" from my school duties as a psychometrist. I have been organizing like a crazy woman! Just this morning as I looked at my almost completed garage reorganization, I thought "why do I feel so driven to organize everything in sight during the few weeks I have off?". I think tomorrow I am going to heed your friends advise and "catch my breath".
Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse
Indeed it is a good time to slow down especially in this heat!
Hot here too..good advice, to slow down a bit. I have so much I want to get done and never seem to have enough hours.
Your pastor wrote a very enlightening piece. I have to remind myself constantly to slow down. Even if I am trying to take a much needed nap, my mind whirls and sleep doesn't come. I can't seem to enjoy the moment as I'm already thinking of the next thing that needs to be done. I am going to slow down...promise!
XO,
Jane
HA tell pastor tim we have no choice...it is too hot to do anything else! :)
This morning is the worst so far...it's been hot all week but this is the second day of 100% humidity here ...you most likely have about the same as us.
Seriously, a lovely post as always : )
So very apt. Although have had to slow down somewhat in our heat wave I have never yet managed a 'week off' at home but something I aspire to.
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