S is for Sun-day

S is for Sunday. After last week's fiasco at church in which we had to leave early with all three children screaming down the hallways, we debated about going back this week.  As it is the first Sunday of the month, we knew Communion would be served and the service would go longer than usual.  With the baby regularly needing to eat in the middle of the sermon, the two-year old refusing to go to nursery, and the four-year old prone to emotional meltdowns about going to her big girl class, we were hesitant. 

"No," we decided.  "It's important; we need to go."  That was the plan as of last night.

Alas, morning came and with it bone-weary fatigue from night feedings and a reluctance to turn what could be an enjoyable morning into a stressful one. 

We stayed home.

Sunday became sun-day. After a relaxing morning of quiet play for the girls, calm feeding for the baby, and a longer than usual shower for me, the deep blue skies and fifty degree temperature drew us outside for a hike along the canal, a picnic, and some good old-fashioned log rolling down an inviting hill--even Dad got a little crazy and tried it for himself.

Did I feel guilty at first? Yes.

But as I sat at the picnic table soaking up the warm sun, feeling the wind blow across my skin, and watching my girls run and jump and play with what can only be described as utter joy on their little faces, I stopped feeling guilty.  This is true sabbath rest.  Peace, appreciation, togetherness, joy, and a whispered thank you carried upward on the wind to whoever may be listening.

And in case I needed a little encouragement about the reasonableness of skipping church for some family sanity, I found these words in a book I was reading during the morning feeding.  It's a book about nursing, but the principle is universal. "Small treats like a nice hot cup of herbal tea, a bubble bath, or a hot shower when someone else is able to take over caring for the baby for a short while can help replenish emotional energy.  Or you might find that it is soothing to get out in the fresh air and take a walk.  Even stepping outside, looking up, and taking a few deep breaths of fresh air can make a difference.  It's amazing how helpful even a few moments of self-care can be."

S is for self-care...and for selfish.  As a parent, it's easy to mistake self-care for being selfish.  We have responsibilities, after all, to our children, our careers, our communities, our church, our God.  And yet, sometimes a little selfishness in the name of self-care is a necessary antidote to the everyday stresses that wear us thin.  I'm glad we chose an unconventional way to worship this Sunday.  For I do feel both restored and refreshed, more ready to tackle the challenges of the week ahead.  And instead of beginning the week stressed and grumpy, we began it relaxed and satisfied--as a family.  With all that's transpired in the last two months, feeling like a family again is more than good medicine.

Now excuse me while I head outside to soak up the last rays of the day's sun.

happy endings...