As I mentioned earlier this week, I’ve been pretty depleted lately. To restore balance and energy to my life, I am taking a few days to take care of myself and my family. I thought I’d share with you what I’ve been up to.
I spent a couple hours at a park the other day. Even in the midday heat, it was relaxing to just sit and watch the river go by for a while. I strolled through the formal gardens and managed to escape the red-winged blackbird that was chasing me.
Big Guy and I celebrated July 4th with good friends. We went to a parade, got a little sunburned, went out for a wonderful lunch, and then came back to our house to play train. None of my parade pictures turned out, but I managed to get one of our dominos.
I’m dealing with some anxiety about a specific situation my husband is facing. I spent some time with this verse to encourage me and set my heart at ease.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
I’ve been hanging out with God a lot this week, too—and it has shown me that my prayer life has been kind of lame lately. Rather than pour my heart out to God, I had been taking the approach of thinking, Well, God knows me, and He already knows what I’m struggling with and what I’m thankful for. He knows what I need.
This week I am remembering that prayer isn’t just about speaking to God. It is time to sit with Him, open my heart to Him, listen to Him, and simply soak in His presence. I hadn’t been doing a good job of that. No wonder I’ve been so depleted. I wasn’t even doing the thing that restores me the most.
I expect to be back with real posts again next week. Thanks for your prayers and for bearing with me while I have tended to myself.
What do you do to restore balance and energy in your life?
Images credit | Chris Taylor
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I’ve been learning to meditate. Also, because I suck at prayer. I rarely complete a prayer all the way to “Amen,” because my thoughts fly around like swarms of caffeine-addicted mosquitoes. So I’ve been working on meditation as a way to learn how to quiet the busyness and focus on a single stream of thought. I’m doing pretty well! Day 9 with five minutes each day, and it’s getting easier.
I often read a psalm to help me get out of my head and focus on God.
Chris, J, maybe you two need to merge your sabbaticals. Maybe you can pick some spot midway between texas and wisconsin like kansas and go meet up and do girl stuff and pray.
That would be so awesome.
I appreciated you sharing a burden Chris. We all have them. Lots of alone time reading my Bible and resting in the Lord’s presence always brings peace. Praising the Lord is key. It takes a sacrifice to praise Him. Praying for your husband’s concern to be resolved.
Thank you.