Rest

Today was such a lovely day.  I love slowing down, and I needed a slow day and weekend desperately! God is so good to bring refreshment to our souls just when we need it, dry and weary, He gives us rest and hope. 
Most of my life I've felt a need to work almost all the time, and it can be absolutely consuming.  As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate the gift of life more.  I've also gone to therapy and heard again and again about being kind to yourself.  Be kind to yourself.  Be gentle.  No more beating yourself up!
I've been training at a new job the last month, and it has had its stressful moments for sure.  Recently the stress fell off me as I was moved into a new, more comfortable position.  Still, I've been tired from trying to get everything right all the time, to fit into impossibly big shoes.
Today I had the first true day of rest that I can remember in a long time.  I lingered in bed and then enjoyed a pot of coffee.  Yes, a pot! I read a little, puttered around, looked at the news, etc., I made myself a big breakfast with eggs and peppers and a little before noon I went to the pool with Bible and journal.  I laid in the sun and read the Word, then I dipped in the pool and swam a few laps.  No one was there, and it was so relaxing to listen to the birds, stare up at the palm trees, and feel the sunshine on a beautiful May day.  I also sat in the Jacuzzi for a few minutes and a little before one,  I went back home... just as the people started coming.  Perfect timing!
I ate a salad and  napped, and then I cleaned my apartment.  It felt good to clean the sink, to scrub the tub, to give attention to the things I normally don't. 
This evening I hiked up Tumamoc Hill with a friend from Kentucky college days.  Lots of people were out enjoying the night and we made it down just as the sun was beginning to set.
I came home and made myself a big bowl of popcorn with lots of salt and now I'm getting ready to watch a movie.
Thank You, Sweet Jesus, for days of rest and refreshment.  You are a giver of life, and I am thankful for the life You've given me today!