Falling Easy

Every once in a while, I get it right.

There was something about this return from the cottage back into city life that made me feel as if I just needed to hold back for one more day.  Hold back in terms of not getting all fired up and wired up to jump right back into my long list of all the very important things that need my attention right at this junction of my ministry season.

'Take Monday off,' seemed to be the message.  

For those who do not share the driven personality DNA thing, this might sound like a simple thing to do.  But in truth, taking it easy isn't so easy for some of us.  When you love your work, and when productivity and getting stuff 'done' is your version of fun, holding back and waiting until Tuesday to tackle the tasks is a form of discipline.  Fasting, if you will.

But I did it!

Started the day with a sunrise walk.  Then came back to slowly, methodically decorate the house for fall.

I do love this seasonal decor thing.  Love how it makes me feel.  To have that change up in colour and scheme for a fresh look, and a fresh space to work and live in.  This year was especially fun, because it's the first time I've been able to do it up all autumn in our new house. 

Last year at this time we were still at the cottage, waiting for the timing on our new build.  Well, here we are, in the new build, building our lives, making new memories, forming new rituals.

And I think maybe I've stumbled on a new one for me.  Maybe I'll call it 'the discipline of leaving gaps.'  Between things.  At transition points.  From one season to another.  Upon returning from a time in Thailand.  At the end of a long haul of more intensive ministry, either planned or the life-just-happens kind.  Just...leave a gap.  Make a space.

Oh.  Maybe God's already thought of this.  He called is Sabbath, I think.  Meant for every week (Exodus 20), but also built into other ways of measuring time.  Leaving fields fallow (Exodus 23).  A year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25).  It was for at least two purposes.  One, to provide the rest all humans require.  The other, to remind us that we're not in charge and the world can go on just fine without us for a little bit, thank you very much.

Perhaps I shall establish for myself a transitional Sabbath kind of thing where I will fast from work for a day or longer before charging into the next round of everything.

Feeling pretty fine about the day, I must say.

And this morning?  Tuesday?  Ready, set, go.  

And am I not one of the richest women in the world?