January 25, 2006
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She Enjoys True Leisure Who Has Time to Improve Her Soul’s Estate ~ Henry David Thoreau (sort of)
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
~WH AudenEver have a day when you are worn thin from illness and several days of non-stop activity, when you feel that you might just collapse into a heap of tears if someone even speaks to you? Welcome to today.
I heard or read somewhere a story illustrating the work ethic differences between Africa and the USA. An American foreman drove his African crew to work quite hard one day. The next day, the foreman awoke, prepared to work hard again. He was dismayed to find his crew sitting around doing nothing. “Come on! We have work to do!” the foreman urged. “No,” one African replied. “We worked so hard yesterday that we must rest today to let our souls catch up with our bodies.” That is just how I feel today.
So, once the children are in bed, I will stop all the clocks and cut off the telephone. I will search out peace through prayer and scripture. I will make some hot tea and find a few cookies. I’ll pull out the novel and run a hot bath.
Then, tomorrow, I will plan to do the same. Saxon Algebra will not taunt me. The read aloud which has been beckoning will have its call heeded. Buttercream and vanilla-scented candles will be lit. Joan of Arc will play out her story on a DVD. And then, perhaps, all will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things shall be well. (Thanks, Ruth!)
Comments (5)
Buttercream vanilla candles and read aloud! I want to come!
Ditto, mamglop! Feel Better!
A prayer for you:
I pray for you the freshness of our Living God, who alone created you, who alone can restore and strengthen you. I do not pray the comfort of things that do not last, although those are helpful and good. I pray the very best for you, that you will be touched by the tenderness of our Lord, by His compassion and understanding. I pray that you will have wisdom to manage your days and to bring them under the reign of His kingdom, and that those days will be filled with light and joy inexpressible. I pray that you will be strengthened in your inner man, and sustained by the Love of all love. May His presence be your peace.
Bless you! I LOVED THIS ENTRY! Just the best 4 paragraphs I’ve ever read in my life, on many levels, for many reasons! I am sitting here with a huge smile on my face! The Africans have it right.
I hope your spirit and body both feel refreshed from your rest (which I hope you did have a chance to get).