Sweet Moments

Idle Time

“Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you.” Annie Dillard

My three day idyll will end today, and I will drive the 90 miles home to resume life as usual. This has, as always, been a breath of fresh air. To be with women who care about each other, to talk about things that matter, to laugh at collective foolishness, and to play together without competition—this is the good stuff. The lake is dead calm this morning; people all around are recovering from too much revelry. There were fireworks until late, partying even later. No doubt, this morning, we will see lots of hung-over college students motoring around the lake, far quieter than they were last night.

I am a workaholic. Like a mule in its harness, I am head down and toiling all the time. I wonder if you, too, are like that. We get stuck in a rut and forget that there is life outside the nine to five. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon reading a book, something I simply never do. I sat on the porch with my feet propped up and read for an hour or two. It was blissful.

Spending time doing whatever energizes you is a precious gift. Being with friends, having meaty conversations, reading a good book, sitting on the dock, watching waves on the water, rejuvenate and renew us. When we get back to work, we are more grounded and creative. This is dessert; this is what makes all the hours and days of work worth it. I am so glad to have had three afternoons to “spend” in ways that create within me a joyful heart. I hope you, too, are beginning your week relaxed.

                                                        In the Spirit,

                                                              Jane