Create time to relax, enjoy all God has created
"Thus the heavens and earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing: so on the seventh day he rested from all his work."
- Genesis 2:12 (NIV)
I noticed the hammock attached to the tree. It hung neatly folded and appeared spotless. It seemed as if it was never used.
When was the last time you gently swung in your hammock on a lazy, summer day? Or enjoyed the stunning pink and orange hues of a sunset from that bench on the front porch?
Maybe your pleasure is stretching out in the chaise lounge on the back patio with your favorite drink in hand. But there's been no time.
You get the idea. When was the last time you sat back and relaxed? With the beautiful, sunny summer days ahead, have you penciled in any time for relaxation on your calendar? I'm not talking about the action-packed vacation you've planned.
I'm talking about a slow-paced, swing-in-the-hammock type of day. A day, or even just a few moments, where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of all God created.
We can get so caught up in paying the bills, improving our houses, and working to make ends meet that we forget to step back and enjoy the beauty God has given us in our natural surroundings.
After God created the vast array of heavens and earth, he sat back, rested and marveled at what he accomplished. He simply enjoyed all the work of his hands. I think he must have smiled brightly.
Since we follow God's example, finding some time for solitude and rest to enjoy the beauty of a sunset, the mysterious color scheme of a rainbow, or watching the white-capped waves at the local beach should be carved into our schedule.
Why not enjoy life's journey and not just the final destination? Following God's example to build some time to rest into our schedules could actually re-energize us for the other aspects of our lives.
Praying for some sunny skies and the wisdom to schedule those moments to break free could help us discover the benefits of summer relaxation and the pleasure of God's handiwork.
• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak to your church, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.