Yesterday was Labor Day and I needed to claim my day of rest, but it didn't come willingly. Outside influences battled to pull me away. I'm sure you've been there.
Kid: We should order a pizza.
Me: Dad just went shopping. We have tons of food and frozen pizzas in the freezer.
Kid: We should go to Rita's for an Italian ice.
Me: Mhm.
Kid: We should go to Target.
Me: There are tornado watches and warnings all over Georgia. It's not safe.
Kid: I'm bored.
Me: Isn't it great to be bored for a change. We need to be bored more often.
Kid: We should go out and celebrate because it's Labor Day.
Me: We celebrated at the lake on Saturday. Today is our rest day.
Email: You should check me because this inbox will become unmanageable and it will take you forever to catch up.
Me: Okay, I'll give in but I think I need a break from you too.
Committees: You should address those pending issues because you have a little extra time.
Me: Okay, maybe I should. No! I need rest. Maybe just a little.
Laundry: Look at me piling up. Your husband needs clean underwear.
Me: Okay, I guess laundry qualifies as rest. Kind of.
Book: Read me! I must be read by Thursday! Don't forget to underline the important things.
Me: Okay. I can settle down enough to read. I like that. That feels like rest.
TV: Storms everywhere. Floods are coming. 24/7 coverage.
Me: It's nice to have an excuse to stay home. I hope we don't have to go to the basement. Should I gather flashlights? The TV is making me nervous. I wonder if I should take a shower in case the storm hits. I wouldn't want someone to find me with dirty hair.
Facebook: What's everyone doing? How are they faring in the storms? You might be missing something!
Me: Okay, I'll submit. It's kind of resting as I sit glaring at the computer. I break to look out the windows at the trees. That's restful.
iphone: Don't forget me. I'm going to follow you around in case you get an important text or tweet.
Me: Maybe I will leave you on the charger for a while. You need some rest too.
Pain: Ah-ha! A little rest day won't deter me. I like when you slow down so I can shout "I'm still here!"
Me: Damn you pain! I'll show you. I'm going to eat a cookie and later some ice cream.
Pain: Okay, I like that. It makes me come on a little stronger.
Me: Um, okay. I get your point. But that cookie tasted really good!
Kid: Tomorrow is a Senior Skip Day. About half are participating and half are not.
Me: Um, I think I will go with the half who are not. It's too soon in the school year and we just had a long weekend.
Kid: Scowl and grunt while stumping off.
Me: It's hard being the bad guy. I can feel my anxiety level rising. Be strong. Hold your ground.
Somehow, with all these diversions and challenges, it still felt like a day of rest. I didn't go anywhere. I didn't buy anything. I took care of a few things. I escaped a little here and there.
Does this sound familiar? Contrary to popular belief, we all need rest. We need to re-charge our batteries. Maybe you've evolved to a day of rest that doesn't involve conflict, anxiety, or challenges. Sometimes it's a stretch, like zoning out while folding laundry. For now, I will take it where I can get it!
Find some rest today.
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