Relax

I like the idea of a "RELAX" button on our keyboards, and it would probably be pressed pretty often.  While I think I have learned to deal with stress and pressure fairly well over the years, I may not have learned how to "relax" very well.

Take this weekend, for example.   After such a busy month, I managed to keep this weekend free of any extra scheduling, aside from normal weekend chores and activities.   Yet, when I actually found myself with hours of free time, I didn't quite know what to do with myself.   I tried my usual "relax and have fun" activities - playing the piano, reading a book, and watching some TV; but I was somehow not in the mood for any of those for longer than a few minutes at a time.  Surprisingly, I was pretty restless.  I ended up going shopping.   I suppose it is one form of relaxation and unwinding; but, I try not to resort to it often, especially in this economy.   I did buy a nice new pair of well-made leather boots, which, to be fair, I did need, since my old pair is falling apart. 

As I think about it, when it comes to relaxation, I may have been influenced by my mom.  She was one person who never seemed to be able to relax, even when we were on family vacations, because she kept looking at all the things that needed to get done.   It's true that we have a never-ending "to do" list; however, we're just not built that way.   Even in creation, God gave us the example of rest:  "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 2:2)

On a weekly basis, I think I do fairly well, in making sure that I'm not running myself ragged 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  I have been able to balance out my schedules by fitting in times for my normal "relax and have fun" activities (playing piano, reading, and watching TV), exercise, and even cooking.   And, when I plan for it, I can "relax" on major vacations.   What I find is that I need to be purposeful in all that I do.   I take time out during the week to keep balanced; I take major vacations to get away; but, I don't do so well with big chunks of time with nothing to do, which is okay.  So, yesterday, after church, instead of "vegging" the rest of the day, I went out and did yardwork.  It was actually quite satisfying.   I was able to finish clearing all the growing vines; and cut all the hedges in my backyard.   After the major yardwork earlier this year, I am happy to find that my backyard is now considered manageable.  It was even a beautiful day to be outside.

All in all, it is important to keep ourselves balanced and ensure we have time to relax and rest; however, I think that there is such a thing as too much relaxation.  One verse that kept coming to mind was: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil"  (Ephesians 5:15-16)