Rule # 32

My life has been crazy lately.  Between teaching, taking the Gifted Endorsement class, Vision Cohort, training, and settling into a new apartment, it's been nearly impossible to slow down and relax.  Since Byron and I have been married, we hadn't spent a single weekend in our apartment, just the two of us, to do chores, run errands, sleep in, and what-not.  You know, the lazy weekends when you might do some laundry, clean the house, sleep in, and grocery shop?  But finally, we had a somewhat boring weekend!  [and we couldn't be happier about it!]   I've finally gained some of my sanity back.

We were able to sleep in, take the dogs to the park, and grocery shop together.
My sweet husband bought me tulips at Trader Joe's!

Beginning the weekend with cafe au-laites and ending it with homemade pizza. Mmmm!
[Thanks, Karie for the pizza stone!]

The world is constantly tugging us in multiple directions and it's easy to lose focus of what's important and our relationships and priorities suffer as a result.  Maybe that's part of the reason God thought it necessary for the Sabbath.  To have a day for worship and praise without work.  A day of rest in which you remove the stresses of your life momentarily to delight in the Lord and the blessings He's given you.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 

but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.

Exodus 20:8

I'm thankful for our weekend and for a weekday without school, but I'm challenging myself to enjoy the little things (rule number 32) as they present themselves, amidst my daily routine.  Although the Sabbath is the day of rest, I want to take time everyday to relax and rest before I over-exhaust myself [and my patience].  The Lord deserves my attention and affection before I'm running on fumes.  So does my husband. And my family.  And my students and coworkers.

Thank God for the golden orange trees He blesses us with in the Fall.  Laugh and enjoy an evening with your husband before you're ready to conk out at night.  Enjoy the blessings before they pass.