Spa Day

I rarely get to the spa.

I'm serious. Oh, I paint my nails for special occasions like giving birth and weddings, so let's count 'em; 6, soon to be 7 ... and for a space in time,  I took advantage of Aetna's "massage" clause.

There's something so soothing about seeing (if you can) your toes painted when the first pangs of childbirth arrive. Standing at the alter with a handsome groom holding your manicured hand is a pretty special feeling, as well.  But even moreso, sitting in the front pew while the same groom holds your hand at the wedding of the children you painted your nails for the night before they appeared, feels good on a whole other level.

With my insurance card in tow, I'd clear a calendar day in the chaos of raising the kids I'd painted my toes to birth, and head to the massage parlor   chiropractor's office.  I begrudged the drive home, wanting to stay put and relax in the calming music and muscle mode these trips afforded.

Yes, the spa will do a tired body good, but one can't really enjoy the effects of spa day, unless one goes to the spa.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

How can the mundane wear me out?  I don't have to wait up for a wayward teenager, but my thought pattern is tired and grouchy. I'm not facing death or divorce and yet my attitude aches. I'm relatively healthy and my outlook is selfish.

Today I will rest in Him.  I will not worry about the petty. I will not trouble my heart over material things.  I will throw my cares at His feet and drink from the living water. I must get to the spa and lean into the only One who can bring true rest.

God is calling each of us to choose His rest and to cultivate it in all that we do.  He wants the stories of our lives to reflect His presence, which means that they will also reflect His rest. ~ Beni Johnson from "Spiritual Java"

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 
John 14:27

My "to do" list is a mile long but today I rest. I don't know what you're going through, but I do know a day at the spa can do wonders for restless and weary souls.

Meet me there?

Dear Max and Lilly,

I wonder what your first memory will be.

I'm gonna do my best to make it Sept 22, 2012.

Sometimes I kinda get off track and lose sight of the important stuff.  Especially, six weeks out from your Aunt Lissa's wedding.

There's always something on the list to check off and somehow, someway, there remains the constant drone of seemingly endless tasks being added to the list.

You guys help me remember to breathe.  I watched you play today Max, and your cares were absolutely minimal.  You needed a little corner to push Thomas The Train around in a circle.  Exactly as you tired of Thomas and ran to the window to see a kitty or watch the birds, I received a text picutre of you, Lilly, asleep in your stroller. Another wise and precious reminder to stop and slow down. I did.

Your parents aren't going to like this, but I can't help myself.  Life is so short.  Seriously. Soon you'll be sitting around talking about the past.

Even if it's just a photograph which triggers your conversation, I hope you'll reminisce about the family farm wedding.

"Remember when Aunt Liss and Uncle Spence twirled us around on the dance floor?"

"Remember when our parents hit the dance floor?"

"Remember when grandma and grandpa slow danced?"

"Remember when our great-grandparents two-stepped?"

"Remember when grandma made us take all those pictures and we just wanted to chase kitties?"

"Remember when our parents let us stay up soooo much past our bedtime?"

"What were we wearing?"

"Remember when we could still hear the music, tucked in way upstairs?"

"Remember when ..."

You guys help me remember to live.