Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The moon is shining brightly this morning and dimming all the stars, which means the air is a little cleaner.
We were unable to walk in the park until after dinner last night, but I spent the time talking with Mark, working the late shift. He needs encouragement because his mother is in a nursing home and he worries about her. Then Steve, the naturalist, stopped by on his bike, and said he was enjoying the cookies I brought. Then David Massey came running by and stopped for a hug and brief chat before he was off and running again.
We did see wildlife, though. The hawk flew by and landed on a dead tree as we drove in, and lots of squirrels were very busy running around and digging for acorns. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up leaning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. the thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter.Time is divided by day and night.
These opposites can also help us release stress.
Every often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for
recreation are obliged sooner or
later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:16-17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
