Day of Rest

I rarely get a chance to just take an entire day to rest when I am not dealing with health issues. And today I really need to work on writing a paper, reading assignments, doing some housework. But I don't. I come home from church, tired. The boys are all away at one activity or another and I am on my own. I pick up some Chinese food on the way home and sit quietly in the living room to eat while Sugar looks on longingly. I toss her a few scraps.

It does not take long for me to decide to abandon all plans and just lay down. I listen to the patter of rain against the glass of my bedroom window, and snuggle beneath the warm quilts, arms cradling the soft squishy feather pillow. Sugar jumps up on the foot of the bed and lies next to my legs, the warmth of her body helping me relax.

I should read. I could at least feel productive. I know I will not last through even one page. Though I am not tired from chemo or cancer or a cold, though I have not worn myself out with hard manual labor, though I have much I could be doing, I know somewhere deep inside that the most important thing I must do right now is to rest. A deep satisfying rest that will wash away the dust of busyness and carry me refreshed into next week.

I do not think about meetings or projects or problems. I do not concern myself with expectations or people or errands. I allow my eyes to close, my mind to still. I listen to the rain and the gentle regular breathing of the dog. I feel the warmth, appreciate my full tummy, thank God for this precious time. I do not remember dozing off. I am blissfully unaware of the passing of precious time. I am free to unwind, to let my body do what it was created to do - regenerate. Hours pass.

Consciousness slowly returns. The rain is still pattering against the window glass. The dog is still sleeping at my feet. The quilts are still cuddled around me and the house is still quiet and childrenless. All is the same. Except for me. I take a deep breath and convince myself to slide from between the covers and consider tackling the dirty dishes. I wonder if my nap will interfere with bedtime which is already drawing near.

I needn't have been concerned. I wash dishes, make a bite of dinner, and fold towels. The boys return and we have a nice unhurried chat. When bedtime rolls around, I sleep the sweet sleep of someone who is at peace. It is good. It is all good.