REFRESHMENT
REFRESHMENT. Refreshment. Refreshment.
What does it mean to you?
We used to watch Star Trek: Voyager and there was this character called Seven of Nine, an impossibly perfect member of the Borg (now de-assimilated) who had come to live with the crew onboard the starship. Every night somebody would lock her into a “charging” chamber of sorts, and she would stay there for the night, standing upright but motionless, for re-charging.
Some nights I think about her as I’m drifting off for my own re-charging, in my own cozy bed, and I’m thankful that I’m not an ex-Borg collective member who can’t snuggle down into a soft bed and push a soft pillow into just the right shape for comfort. Who can’t hang the sheets out on the line that day and then savor that fresh outdoor air smell that thrills me to the tips of my toes.
I’m so thankful that God created us to need re-charging, or re-freshing, or rest.
Wouldn’t it be exhausting if we were designed to just go, go, go, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? It makes me tired just thinking about that scenario. But we are not designed for that. God himself worked like crazy for 6 days, and then He took a rest day.
Doesn’t that suggest to you that we need a rest day, too, as we are created in His image? I find that when I neglect to take time for refreshing, my body takes matters in its own hands and forces me to stop and rest. I’ll get a crashing headache, or hit that wall of discouragement and fatigue that I just can’t push through, or I’ll just get sick, and I’ll have to go curl up and just sleep.
I think I’ve reached that point in all this silly summer busy-ness.
So what do you do when your mind and body remind you that you need refreshment? I hope, first of all, that you listen!
Maybe you take a walk down the road a piece, preferably with somebody else who needs refreshing.
Or take some time to admire lovely things in your environs.
Or make pie. Or better still, eat pie that somebody else has made.
Maybe you take the opportunity to sit down and watch some chickens. Or pigeons, or squirrels, or whatever it is that is moving and living around you.
Maybe you have somebody in your life who would really enjoy going on a walk and looking for treasure.
Perhaps there’s a baby around that you can love on.
You have a friend whom you haven’t called in a long time, and it would refresh you to call that friend and have a long chummy chat. You know it would.
I love this photo of my beautiful sisters giggling over something funny.
Probably you’ve got a really terrific book sitting there, that you’ve started and really want to finish. And a hammock. And a big ole’ glass of ice tea with your name on it. Today’s the day, Gentle Reader, don’t you think?
See, you’re longing for refreshment now, too, aren’t you?
It’s a great day to listen to that voice that is saying “Take a break!”
Do it. DO IT. Rest. Refresh. No guilt! Take care of yourself, Gentle Reader.
22 thoughts on “REFRESHMENT”
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wonderful. I love your pictures, too.
Thanks Brook!
I know I have to have time regularly or I go onto overload. Quiet time, reading, yoga, time away from people is always good. Time to recharge should be factored into our lives and we shouldn’t wait until we feel ready to collapse!
TOTALLY agree, Tamsin, although that is usually exactly what happens with me: I collapse in a heap on the floor, and then I remind myself that maybe a break is warranted. 🙁
Oh, you mean we’re not SUPPOSED to go 24/7? Dang it all, that’s what I’ve been doing wrong! (Smile, teasing Amy). Yes, finding those ways to refresh and rejuvante ourselves is essential to our well being and I’m so glad you shared the reminder. Now off to do just that!
big hugs
MamaRed
Good for you, MamaRed! Have a relaxing day!
Nice reminder today! I’ve finished my UBC commitments – the rest of the day is for relaxation, rejuvenation, and refreshment. My deck, lemonade, and a “non-educational” book . . . ahh . . . here I come!
Lisa
Sounds wonderful, Lisa! Good for you!
What a visually relaxing post. I really loved the photos and the video. I remember watch 7 of 9 on Star Trek! Great post!
Thanks, Deanna! Nice to meet another Trekkie! 🙂
Yes, and we all need to refresh ourselves! Thanks for the reminder, Amy!
You’re welcome, Michelle!
I was picking blueberries today at a U pick farm. I had a straw hat on and I had a bottle of ice cold water. It was about 12:30 in the afternoon and I knew being out there at that time probably wasn’t the greatest of ideas but that is how my schedule for today was structured. I heard a couple of women saying they had to quit – the heat and humidity were too much even though our heat wave was supposedly over – and suddenly I realized I wasn’t feeling too great myself. In my youth, I would have “powered through”. This time, I told my husband “we have to leave now”, and we did. I am just going to take it easy this afternoon, maybe get some writing done, and that’s it. Writing refreshes me. And maybe a nap. And maybe some nice fresh blueberries later!
Alana, we’ve been having quite a lot of heat and humidity here in Nebraska, too, and I’ve been really surprised at how tired I am at the end of the day of being out in it! It’s good that you were able to listen to your body and quit before you collapsed! Although I’m sure it wasn’t easy leaving all those lovely blueberries behind!
I usually spend some extra quality time with my horses…they are the best medicine for the stressed soul. ME too feels the need for a refreshment right now. life is so busy in these hot summer months. my body is aching and my mind is tired. I am looking forward to a two week brake in September … when my dear mom is coming for a visit from Germany 😀 thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures !!! ~nik~
Nicole,
Oh, that sounds lovely. Spending time with your horses would be so relaxing and wonderful! Have a great time with your mum!
I’ve written many times about the value of rest and recreation Amy. In fact in my book I write that it’s an essential and not a luxury.
I can also tell you I’ve also spent more than a few nights thinking about Seven of Nine…
cheers, Gordon
Oh, Gordino, that’s the SUIT, I can guarantee you . . . 😉
That, and the character development of course…
I remember stories of the actress passing out during fittings because the suit was so tight! Ha!
Yes, that poor girl . . . !!
I know – I had to watch 7 seasons just to check she if she was alright
Oh, you are a naughty boy, GGord!