Lately, I have been trying to find the quiet…..perhaps that is why I love January so much. I like the cold (as crazy as that sounds) and I like to just sit and plan….and think. The crazy of December just depletes me. I say things I shouldn’t, I buy things I shouldn’t, I eat things I shouldn’t…..and I bake, and I shop and I cook and I clean and I work….and each day I find myself saying things like “I hate Christmas”. I shutter when I actually say the words….I really do not mean to say them….but…it pops out of my mouth.
December 25th this year….was quiet and lovely. We spent a quiet day at my parents house. She made dinner (which I felt horribly guilty about) but I had worked the day before until late and then had put a dinner on for over 14 people….and quite honestly….after pulling lots of overtime at our store….I didn’t have it in me. So, I was so grateful. Christmas vacation has been wondrous. We have slept in, we have gone to see places I wanted to see. We have shopped glorious placed like Ikea, and Trader Joes. I have had barbecue from Joes (because this is the essence of life in barbecue land). I have been able to clean and process and declutter….and tomorrow I will finish up the last pesky projects before we leap into a week of school….and I can find myself….finally gearing up again…..
Rest is so important….its so very important to reset. Owning a store where you deal with the public (and we have awesome customers). I also spent some time ministering to the places that I enjoy (but again, I was spent). I had pushed my son to make good grades, pushed my daughter to understand math…..and paying bills, and managing groceries, and supplies…..and things for the store….and I felt that everyone needed a tiny piece of me. My husband, my children, my employees, my dog….my everything….and what in the world could I possibly do to make them NOT NEED me……but…in truth, the same can be said for my husband….and my children….everyone needs something from everyone, which is why it is so awesome to have rest.
As we enter the beauty of routine….with the energy that we have found to continue on….I find myself coming back. My sense of humor restored, raring to go and get busy with new ideas for work, and soap, and clowning….and homeschool….and all the things that buzz around in my tiny brain that keep me happy and hopefully others as well..
I pray you found rest in the break….and even though I know my children aren’t thrilled to be going back to school….I know that they are at least refreshed…and at the end…one of them will be done with several accomplishments….highschool graduation for one….and Eagle Scout as well…..may your last day of vacation be sweet….and may you have the energy to continue to the end of your race.
May the flu be far from all of us! Have a great one!
The Reluctant Red Nose 