Days of Rest - And Burgers

Sunday is referenced in Biblical teachings as a "day of rest". It's a day in which many spend their morning in quiet reflection, prayer or worship.  Some simply catch up on sleep. If we're lucky there's bacon, eggs and muffins.

Then too often, we're busy the rest of the day, not on relaxing things we enjoy doing, but  working on household projects, repairs, laundry, cleaning, etc.  Then you wake up Monday morning and you're still tired.

So this Sunday, I put aside the chores, after I gave pause for what this day really means.

It will be my day of rest, while taking some time for sunshine, fresh air and a clear look at the world around me.

Walking along, don't look just ahead, look to your side.  You may see something beautiful in the periphery of your vision that you never noticed before.

Notice the small things, the vibrant colors of your world.

Give thanks for what you have here, now;  not what might be taken from you.

Say hello to a neighbor. Offer the hungry or needy a meal.

A smile

or a kind word.

Walk around your community, visit side streets you've never walked before.

Find joy in the simple things.

See the artistry in things that aren't "art"

Take a little time doing something you just enjoy doing...

watching trains...

or going for a drive.

Be aware of your surroundings, but lose yourself to the day.

Say Grace before a meal.

Giving thanks for what you have, the blessings of your life, the strength to work, health  and family.

So many others are alone, and are not so blessed.

Do not expect perfection; in  the day, or others around you.

Try and bring a little beauty to the mundane.

Honor a veteran; remembering his or her family.

Bring a little color into someone else's life.

Be proud to raise your flag.

Forgive a grudge, and let sleeping dogs lie.

Turn off the phone and the TV.

 Enjoy the simple things of gentler days.

And always...

STOP

And smell the flowers.

Then, when the day is winding down, tell someone you love them and are thankful for them.

Preferably over a burger from the grill topped with some bacon coleslaw. The laundry and chores could wait.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.