“Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway? “ (Jeremiah 2:25, The Message)
Words for us to consider in this fast paced world. There is a recent Christian song out called “Just Breathe”. I enjoy its message and encouragement for me to slow down. After my car accident a year ago, while I was made to rest and heal, I bought a wooden sign. It speaks to me each time I enter and leave our home with these words: “ Be still for a moment. The world will wait.”
Dwelling on this topic lately, I keep seeing the words “intentional relaxing”. Decompressing…putting your feet up, with a soothing glass of refreshment, and begin to list the GOOD things that happened in the day. Yes, I mean positive things….anything you know about…and it doesn’t have to be about you. Maybe some good news that you have heard about someone you care about. For as little as ten minutes, this will make the stress in your neck and shoulders start to melt away.
Rest. This is important. We need to take breaks, have a daily respite, and every so often plan a vacation that does our body and soul good. Interesting to me is the new evolving concept of a “staycation”. Our family actually had several of those when our family was young, mostly because those were the kind we could afford. These can be in your own home, yard, town, or maybe a little farther from home in your own state. Events that happen without crowded highways, busy airports, and high prices of tourism. But times that build memories, especially in your children or grandchildren, that will never be forgotten.
I read about one family who blocked out five days in their calendar, one for each member of their family. Each one could choose a different outing not too far from home. They decided on those days to have breakfast at home, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way, eat supper at a restaurant and always sleep in their own beds come nightfall. By the time these mini vacations were over, they felt so happy with the times they had spent together. It had been stress-free, financially responsible, and fun. And the best part was that they had been together in a way that worked for everyone.
I’m thinking this would be a fun way to spend days with our grandchildren, letting them make a list of places they’d like to see and experience. If various tasks were delegated to the planning and getting ready, depending on their ages, they would have ownership in the fun and memories. Many of our grandkids live farther away, and this would be a way for us to spend one or two quality days just with them.
I laughed, but agreed with one piece of advice. It suggested to establish some ground rules before embarking on this staycation! Mostly so the whole crew involved would be on the same page when it comes to participation. These were some of the examples to choose from:
* no smart phones
* no email
*no video games
* no television
* no working from home
* no laundry or housecleaning
* no fighting
* no worrying
The best part of a staycation is sharing your smiles, laughter, energy, and insights with those you love. It can be spoiled though if you don’t allow yourself to kick back and relax. Get some paper plates, unplug the media, and think about what would help your family unwind. Happy planning!!!
lbeerman68@gmail.com
