Morning Off
First of all, it isn’t “morning off.” It is MORNING OFF in all caps. I am not shouting it, I am just excited about it. This year my girls are both, for the first time, going to school on a regular schedule. I have planned one morning off for the week (we all know it doesn’t always happen, because that is where all problems go to be solved, but we are trying).
Even just writing this makes me a bit scared, because I still feel guilty for having a morning off (I am whispering). Lots of people I know don’t have one. I am a missionary- am I allowed to have a MORNING OFF? Isn’t there always more to be done? Well, of course there is. But I am learning that the question isn’t “is there work to be done” but “is that work to be done by me, at this time right now?” And right now, I need to follow another thing God talks a lot about: rest and sabbath.
The problem is that it is has been so long since I had a MORNING OFF, that I don’t know how to do mornings off anymore. Like seriously: what do I do? The time feels like precious gold in my hands. I don’t want to just do catch-up things. I don’t wanna watch that show I’ve been waiting forever to watch, or read that book I’ve had my eye on, or fritter away my time on my phone- those things are all too easy to do, and my “go to” things when I find spare minutes throughout my life. No- here I have a MORNING OFF, and I want it to be good. I need to learn how to sabbath again.
I am guessing mommies with littles can relate. I am guessing those in ministry can as well. How do you sabbath?
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What I have figured out so far:
*Exercise with Caid: this is special bonding time and good for my body and helps me shower, get clean, and do my MORNING OFF right
*Special yummy snacks: I think food should be healthfully involved in every good thing I do
*Check in with my garden: perhaps lots of time or little, but some nature should always be a part of my morning off
*Choose one or two little projects around the house to do (like 15 minutes max): just so I can feel like I accomplished something- one of my favorite feelings in the world, and something I want to be a part of my morning off
How can I delight? How can I put more wonder in my day?