Category Archives: Things to Do

The Importance of Rest: Finding Time to Pause and Reflect

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Ever feel like you need a vacation from a vacation? I wonder why we feel like that. It seems as though we are in prime season for vacations, and everyone is off doing this or that for “holidays” … but no one seems to have really had a time of “rest”. We plan and organize and fill our days with activities – which – don’t get me wrong – are all fun things to do – but it seems like often the time off seems like time on. Take our weekend for example, we visited family and friends and worked on the farm, did house chores, animal chores, church etc. etc. and then boom! we were back at work again! Where did the down time come in to effect? I am sad to say that I didn’t carve out that time to chill with just me and God and our thoughts for each other. I had a great weekend… just not a restful one.

Rest seems to be an elusive creature, doesn’t it? Even when our kids were small, we made sure they were active and involved in extra curricular sports and clubs, so that they enjoyed their time. Now, as they are older, we’ve shipped them off to summer jobs to work their summer holidays away. Yet, I find myself wondering if what we really need is time to do “nothing”. Not scrolling on our phones, not napping, not reading, but simply breathing. Still. Listening to the world around us and watching it go by. Waiting to hear God’s still, soft voice in the wind, echoing into our hearts, which only when we rest are attuned to His voice. It’s tough to do. Our minds and bodies are so busy.

Psalm 37 says “be still before the Lord”. How many times do we do this? What does it mean? A few verses before remind us to “delight in the Lord” and “dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture”. Moving to the country has allowed me to witness this. Cows and chickens “dwell in safe pasture” easily. They sit. They stare at the world going by them with little worry. (Have you ever watched a cow’s face when you drive by? They watch you as if to say, “slow down and enjoy the ride, you silly human!”) They chew some grass, they peck at some bugs, wander down field or up a hill. They enjoy a good drink when it’s hot. They “rest” without stress. They take the time to just “dwell” in the land. People seldom do.

We are so hurried. We need to get stuff done. We flit from job to job like busy bees upon a field of wildflowers. Even when we are on vacation. Have you ever looked at a mini van packed for a road trip? Or sat in an airport and watched people prepare for a flight? Passports, paperwork, lists and suitcases chocked full of things to do and an outfit for every activity. And I don’t have all the answers… my suitcase is just as full as yours. I simply muse at the fact that we are asked and reminded to “rest” … and we don’t. Until we, sometimes, are forced to.

Burn outs are real and common place in our day and age. Stress related illnesses and all kinds of ailments are the result of not taking a moment to breathe. We were not meant to be the energizer bunny. Eventually, our batteries give out and we come to a grinding halt. God designed us that way. We are meant to rest. Our physical and mental (and spiritual!) bodies need to reset and recoup. It’s in this time of rest that we fill up our own cups so that we can spill out and fill other people’s buckets up.

Therefore, as we muse about this thing called rest together, I will try remind myself to pause and reflect once and awhile, as I write to encourage you to do the same. Even when we embark on the remainder of the summer season with all it’s leisure activities – remember to pencil in some time for “nothing” but rest.

A Day off to Rest!

Passenger Princess

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Are you a passenger princess? One of those people who does day trips in style? With the snacks, water bottles, playlists downloaded and the car find games all ready in separated little zip lock baggies for each of the kids? Or do you get in and hope there’s gas enough to get you there? I must admit, on any given day I could be either one of those people. This weekend, the hubby and I had a Saturday to ourselves, so we spent most of it in the car. We ran a lot of errands, picking up this and that, stopping to look at a few spots (including a church sale where I thrifted some great stuff… but that’s a different story). Around here, in order to get pretty much anywhere, you need a reliable vehicle. I have become a passenger princess most times.

It’s a funny thing, driving. Do we take it for granted? Do we remember it is a privilege which not everyone enjoys? Do we take advantage of the tools we have? I think most of us rely on our GPS now. I know I certainly do. Then again, I was one of those “print out the full map instructions before you go” people back in the day, too. I like to know where I am going and what the roads are like and how long it’s going to take to get there… then I can plan those snacks accordingly! 🙂 Our youngest is learning how to drive and she so hopes for the independence soon. Not that she may ever get the car… but, you know, hopes and dreams. I’m discovering I’ve forgotten a lot of the “rules” as she learns… can you change lanes in a roundabout? How many demerit points in not forcing a passenger to wear their seat belt?

Photo by Athena Sandrini on Pexels.com

Out here, there are a lot of different vehicles on the roads: cars, a whole lotta trucks, ATV’s and giant farm vehicles that go oh so slow (especially when you get behind them on your way to church!). I think driving is not only a valuable skill to have, but gives you so much more things to learn… patience for example. I lived in the city my entire life… but in less than a year, I have discovered city traffic is very stressful! There is something precious about taking your time. There is also something I noticed here that is not always possible in the crowded city. Emergency vehicles are much more respected. The rule is to move as far to the side of the road as you can in order to let the emergency vehicles passage… not always possible on a six lane highway packed with cars; but on two lanes, most times you have the chance to pull over and stop or significantly slow down. I always say a quick prayer for those involved, as we’ve needed an ambulance on occasion. My heart aches for the uncertainty of the “victims”. When you are aware, you have more time to think about it.

And then there are the other things that share the road. It’s time for snapping turtles to lay eggs… and we met our first one digging around in the gravel road preparing her nest the other day. There are several warnings around the lake to watch out for wildlife. I’m yet to meet a bear, but the hubby met several deer a while ago… which, in turn, forced us to buy a new vehicle. (Also another story for another time…). Foxes, stray dogs, skunks, many a squirrel or chipmunk, the odd cow or chicken crossing the road. The farmers are the slowest ones, though. Patience.

Watch Out for Turtles!

Many times, I have tagged a mittonmusing post as “faith journey” or “spiritual journey” related, because so often my musings and thoughts revolve around this journey we are all on. The ebb and flow of the road we travel, the people we meet, the hills and valleys we travel along and the times we need to slow down and pray for those around us. It really is similar to a day trip in the car. Are you prepared with snack and games for the journey? Which really means: have you planned?! Do you have a final destination in mind? Do you know where you will end up? I trust you do. And I encourage you to talk to someone if you’re unsure. Eternity is a long time to be unsure about.

There is a local road nearby which dips and climbs along huge ski hills. As you reach the top, you have a fabulous view of the rolling hills below: farmers fields in deep hues of green and golden brown, country homes dotted here and there. Depending on when you travel, the sky may be lit with all kinds of colours of a summer sunset or clear blue reflecting the lake if you look that direction. I love it when I get to go that way… especially when I am alone and can see where I am going… usually the highway far far ahead is visible, and I prepare for more traffic, less patience and a lot more cars travelling with me. It’s a “side street” that gets me to where I need to be, and even though it takes me a little longer, I often choose it simply for the pleasure of the drive. The garden center/farmers market is also there … which usually delays me further, but patience, right? We are all learning patience.

So as you take your road trips this summer, or make that daily commute to work, or attend that one more meeting, I encourage you to plan ahead and take in a side street… simply for the reflective view. Take your time to pray for those on the journey with you who need you to move over to the side sometimes and give them passage. Enjoy the scenery. Avoid the hazards. Be aware. Look toward your destination and be prepared. Sing along to the radio and bring all the good snacks. Travelling blessings, my passenger princesses!

The Ultimate Toolbox

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As I sit here to write again with a chocolate chip cookie in my hand, I’m kinda bummed. Did anyone even care there was no post last week? My mother and the hubby were probably the only ones who noticed. Not that this is the reason for my downed attitude. Writing is fun, but I have allowed myself time off before. It’s just been a difficult few days. It’s no ones fault but my own. I am sure it’s perimenopausal mood swings, and a poor diet, and my stubborn attitude, and a hardened heart, and lack of sleep. Yeah. Yeah. I’m going with one of those. Hold on while I grab another cookie. No excuses. In true Taylor Swift form, I take all the blame…. “I am the problem, it’s me.”

However, this self pity party must be looked at further. So, sorry, you’re about to get a journaling session to assist my attitude. Maybe it will help you, too. In addition to all the above factors (which I really do attribute to many of these days), I think the base of my “funk” is frustration. Frustration at the fact that I am not where I want to be. Oh… I want to be HERE, believe me… this is the dream that has been perpetuating in my head for years now. I have it. There are chickens in my living room as we speak. Bucket list check. My kids are relatively healthy and content. I am happy with my relationships, and at a good place with friends and family. God has blessed me with much, and I am thankful. But the world is an evil place.

THIS IS NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE…

You see, us middle aged moms have an ugly side that creeps up beside us and whispers that this is not the right place. Those cute Southern mothers with their summer dresses and flowery front porches have it better. Those enterprising working moms with the great ideas and smart business plans have it under control and got all the lucky breaks. They are going to make it big. Those fit cowboy mommas out West who have the perfect veggie gardens and can still look good in tight jeans are seeing the Northern lights when all you get are cloudy nights filled with mosquitoes. They still wake up early enough to make perfect sour dough, too. That creepy voice tells us that despite where we are… it’s not where we need to be. Social media drives us to want it all. My head tells me it’s not true. Our hearts wish for bigger and better though, don’t they? Even if our motivations are good… we easily get sucked into the void of comparison and contrast. This church has better programs. These mission groups are seeing more growth. This couple have great Bible studies in their home. Now that guy can sing. How patient is that mom?

So what is one to do? I’m sure a few of you are going to say get off Social Media and avoid the temptation and FOMO it brings. Realistically, we are bombarded with it everywhere… even my grocery store tells me I need this or that. Shall I hide here in my little country home and simply hang out with my chickens more? As much as I wish that would work, I know my family would disapprove. The extroverts in my life tell me I need to be more social. Perhaps a deep colon cleanse and less cookies. And don’t start with the fresh air. The windows are open. No, I think what I need is more tools in my toolbox. Let me explain with a little story:

We have had a lot of rain in recent weeks. The rain makes the grass grow. We have a lot of grass. We have a riding lawn mower. The riding lawn mower died. Bless his heart, the hubby watched hours of YouTube, ordered the part, spent many brain cells pondering and configuring, dirtied a complete outfit in the (again) rain to repair said broken riding lawnmower. Hooray! Until another part on the lawnmower died. This time we are sending it out to be fixed. Our grass has grown again. You see, if you don’t have the tools to deal, then life gets overgrown and frankly, a little messy. I’m seeking the tools I need to keep my attitude cut short.

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galations 6:4,5

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works in all of them. ” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

God’s kingdom is so much bigger than my tiny toolbox of gifts. I have tools. I am good at using the tools God has given me. Still, I easily get frustrated when I don’t have the tool I need “fix” where I am at. And that’s where other people come in. I need encouragement. I need to hear good words and challenging motivation. I need compassion. I can take pride in the things that I am good at… and seek help when I need it. I need to communicate those things clearly to the ones who can give me the help I need… when I need it. Sometimes a whisk is useless in the garage… but it is perfectly useful in the kitchen. Time and place also play a roll here. “Tools” are used most where they are needed, and when they are needed. Heaven forbid you misplace one of those tools! Make sure you take care of them and keep them safe! (ever lose a pair of good scissors… then you know what I mean!)

We are learning that taking care of a big property is like living … it takes the right tools to keep it from getting too much to handle. The vines creep in, the pool gets green, the laundry piles up. Sometimes you don’t have the right tool to do the job. You need to borrow one or develop it enough in yourself to get the job done right. It needs to be ready, with battery charged, for when you need it most. That means you gotta take care of it, and put it back when you are done. Allow that battery some time to recharge. Then it will be back at it and ready to do the job, and do it well.

Be proud of your toolbox. Seek to borrow one if you must. Don’t forget to return the favour when you need to, and be sure to take care of all the rusty ones who require a little love. Above all, take lessons from the most valued Repairman, who could post a billion YouTube instruction videos on how to keep life free from all those breakdowns. He’s got the ultimate toolbox. Feel better? Yeah, me too. See you next week, my beloveds.

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