I just returned from a “time-out”, a mini-vacation.
I didn’t go far, only upstairs to the porch. I took my ice tea, a pen and a book of word search/sudoku puzzles. I did word searches, listened to the birds, admired the trees with their green leaves-turning-to- gold, and enjoyed being able to “get away from it all”. Later I took a short walk towards the woods. After that it was time to close the car windows and while I did that, watch the stars and planets come out as the afternoon slowly turned to evening.
I came back from my mini-vacation feeling refreshed and relaxed—the way my body feels after a massage—only this time, it was my spirit.
I’ve come to realize I need to be outside for at least 20—30 minutes a day, every day. It doesn’t matter whether I do anything or not. Driving somewhere in the car doesn’t cut it; no, I have to be in nature: walking, mowing grass, sitting in a chair reading or doing puzzles, or simply appreciating God’s creation. It gives me perspective and calms my nerves.
Some other things I discovered I need to do every day:
- something creative—write, take pictures, color, bake, or rearrange decorations
- something for someone else
- take time to think of God—His greatness, His kindness, His caring. I call this “dwelling on the Lord”. This may also take the form of reading devotionals.
OK, so I’m curious: Is there anything you’ve found you must do every day for your well-being, a non-negotiable for your life?
©P. Booher
Country Ripples 
I find it helpful to meet with God every morning. I read devotional thoughts, read scriptures, pray and write down my thoughts. Blessings!
I finished a devotional on Chronic Illness, and am starting another one on Anger. I sometimes take the book out on the porch, and read the day’s entry while being able to be outside, so I get the benefit of both.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love how you titled these moments a “mini-vacation.” There is something innately refreshing about those hyphenated words. I think I’ll tell my kids I’m headed on a mini-vacation the next time I go out on the porch to read. So, I read your post at lunch and have been pondering your question. One non-negotiable for me is walking the dog each morning. Not only does she need the exercise, but I need that time surrounded by the beauty and quietude of God’s creation. I use those miles to pray for others and hash things over with the Lord. I always come back feeling refreshed.
Your kids will probably ask where you’re going and can they come too?! 🙂
This is a great reminder! And yes, it is refreshing to get out and move in nature! I need to do it more often.
My one non-negotiable is to talk with God, preferably starting before I get out of bed in the morning, but also all during the day as things come to my attention that I recognize need God’s help, whether it be myself, a family member or neighbor, a stranger when I’m out and about, or someone I read/hear about on the news. It is such a comfort to know that God cares about everything that burdens our hearts and wants us to cast our burdens at His feet.
I also talk with God at odd times during the day, when things come to mind. It is a comfort to know God cares. I need Someone bigger than me!