Fr. Tom and family are away for three weeks so Deacon Ashton and I will be bringing you the weekly ramblings. Becky +

A group I recently shared some time with enjoyed a long meandering conversation as we worked together. One of the rabbit trails we wandered down was THAT ROOM in our houses.  We all have one – the bedroom or office or garage – the place where we all throw things that we might someday need, or can’t figure out where to put, or plan to give them away, since they are too good to toss out.   

THAT ROOM in my house used to be my home office that I now need to be an office again. During some recent renovation work, this was the room where new materials were stored and furniture/stuff moved to, while another room was being redone. Even though the furniture and most of the items were returned to their rightful places, a lot of leftovers are still piled in the office. I had promised myself that once Deacon Ashton arrived and I returned to half-time employment, the office was going to get cleaned up. As our group shared tales of what each of THAT ROOM in our homes looked like, I realized Ashton had been here two weeks and not one scrap of anything had been moved.

Motivated by the group’s conversation, I promised myself that I would work thirty minutes every day except Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays when I work at church – no excuses!  After only three thirty minute sessions (some did run longer once I got started), I can now see the top of my desk and almost all of the carpet. I threw away coupons that expired in January, catalogues advertising Lenten materials, and a New Year’s Eve hat. I found several things I had given up as lost forever, including a reimbursement check from October, 2016. Several boxes were filled with items to take to Hello Goodbuy Thrift Store. I filled a bag with paper for recycling, another with records for shredding, and another with trash. Three more sessions and my office will be in great shape and ready to use. Then, there’s my closet…

My other mid-year resolution was to get back to a regular fitness routine. Again – no excuses!  I’ve been to The Club twice this week and plan to make it two more times, despite my entire body, except my hair, being sore. As I drove up to The Club early Monday morning for my first workout, this is

what I saw:

Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks softly and sometimes the Holy Spirit leaves us no excuses!

Leisure time is important to our spiritual and physical well-being. Throughout the gospels, Jesus took time to go away from the crowds, probably to rest and get ready for the next day’s work.  Even Jesus could not teach, preach and heal without a break. Restoring body and soul is important and we can only do when we take a break. Our Prayer Book even includes a Prayer for the Good Use of Leisure. You’ll find it below.

Getting organized and fit is the way I’ve decided to use some of my newfound free time. Fr. Tom is enjoying some much deserved time away to refresh and restore. How are you using your leisure time this summer?

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, 825)

Blessings and all good things, 

Becky +