Relaxing Summer Moments

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time. John Lubbock

The luxury of all summer’s sweet sensation is to be found when one lies at length in the warm, fragrant grass, soaked with sunshine, aware of regions of blossoming clover and of a high heaven filled with the hum of innumerous bees. Harriet E Prescott

We live in a society where busy-ness is valued above relaxation.  Even our “relaxing” days often involve doing active things like concerts, hikes, boating, evenings out for special events, etc.  Conversation between friends who haven’t seen each other in awhile often start out with “I’m sorry that I haven’t been in touch, I’ve just been so busy.” Being “busy” in America is expected, encouraged, and worn like a badge of accomplishment.

Yet, as one of my past pastors used to say, “we are human BEINGS, not human doings”. It’s healthy to rest…mind, body, and spirit.  On days when we do “nothing”, our “idleness” is actually like recharging a battery. When we are well rested, we are afterwards more energetic and enthusiastic about engaging in life!  Creativity abounds and new ideas flow like water in a spring stream.

So the next time that you consider resting or completing another task on your to-do checklist, ask yourself if you have relaxed recently. If you are waiting to rest until everything is accomplished, then you will never rest!  There are always things to do, so let some of those tasks wait and take care of yourself by allowing for a little “down” time to relax and rejuvenate. You’ll be glad that you did!