"Sat(her)day" Reflection

My "Sat(her)day" time was nothing fancy today ya'll but ... oh, so good! And oh ... so necessary!

In closing yesterday (see "The Balance Battle"), I suggested we identify areas (extremes) in our lives that need to be lessened in intensity. So, resisting the urge to go ice-skating, I stayed home and did just that. : )

You may be wondering if ice-skating is really an area that needs to be lessened in intensity in my life. Right now, it most certainly could get out of control. But there have been (and will be again) other leisure activities I enjoy like ... reading, swimming, cooking, gardening, and riding roller coasters that have required a lessening in intensity to regain proper balance.

There are also the areas of work and study that can consume us. Even as a wife, mom, or grandma there will be times it is necessary to adjust the intensity to regain balance.

And I have saved the most dangerous for last ... dare I say ... our ministries. This one is tough because it is so difficult to consider this area may be in need of a lessening in intensity. But hear me when I say, ministry can become an extreme, and it will ... if left unchecked.

All of these things are good. All of these things are for our good. But all of these things will clean our clock if we don't keep the proper balance.

Today, on this rainy day in September, I spent my "Sat(her)day" in reflection.

Identifying the "good" things needing to be lessened in intensity to regain balance.

I invite you to do likewise.

Still wondering ... yes, but how? Join me on Monday for more.

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"Sat(her)day" can be done on any day of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women of our need to be nurtured so we do not grow weary of being a nurturer.

Protection from Growing Weary

How do you love the unlovely? ... unto the Lord.

Ministry is messy, often misunderstood, rarely appreciated, and will take the wind right out of your sail if you try to do it unto men. So... how do you protect yourself from growing weary????

By (honestly) examining your service.

Is it ... unto men?

or

Is it ... unto the Lord?

"Sat (Her) Day, Saturday!" - Over the Top Good

This morning was "over-the-top" good ya'll ... and it wasn't even planned!

I was awakened by the silence of an empty house. No, that's not the good part and before rumors start flying around - there's no trouble on the home front. Hubby was simply playing an early morning round of golf. :- )

My "over-the-top" good morning began in the kitchen, when I did the UNTHINKABLE task of ... preparing a fantastic breakfast JUST FOR ME! I enjoyed my "girly" favorite, veggie omelet and an assortment of fresh fruits, and discovered cooking for one is fun, and yummy!

After cleaning up the kitchen, I got dressed and went to the gym. (Proof-positive of the connection between food and behavior ... Let's just say, I have never gone to the gym at 7am on a Saturday after eating an EggMcMuffin!)

After a shower, with the spontaneity still in the air, I remembered an unused gift certificate I had been given for a manicure & pedicure ... and it was calling my name! Mani & Pedi - here I come!

That's how my Saturday morning turned into "Sat (Her) Day!" morning.
I'm NOT writing this to brag, I'm writing this to encourage you to "go and do likewise" ...


Easy now, hang on - - Am I saying, kick everyone out of the house on Saturday? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, cook for only yourself on Saturday? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, to spend every Saturday at the gym, or getting a pedicure? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, to seek an "over the top" good "Sat (Her) Day!" experience every week? Certainly Not!

What I'm saying is ... my "over-the-top" experience reminded me it is okay and (dare I say???) HEALTHY to do "good" to ourselves on a regular basis.

That said, in an effort to hold you (and myself!) accountable, "Sat (Her) Day!" will be a regular feature on my blog. Every Saturday, I will share how I have chosen to do "good" to myself (some weeks may be an entire morning, other weeks might be just 5 minutes) and I will encourage you to do likewise ... by doing something "just for you" on Saturday, or the day of your choice during the week.

It will be fun, and encouraging, as we hold one another accountable in the weeks ahead ...

CAUTION - This practice of doing "good" to yourself will greatly affect your attitude while doing "good" to others. Be prepared to be caught smiling more often! :-)