Refresh Yourself by Taking Time to Slow Down

Have you ever gotten to the end of summer and said, “We never went swimming this summer!” Or, “We never made homemade ice cream!” There are so many fun things to do each season, but often we don’t stop and make plans to include the activities we love and then we miss out on those little pleasures that enrich our lives. Why don’t we slow down long enough to enjoy our days?

• We feel guilty because there are other “more important” things to do.
• We waste time on non-essentials, like social media or television.
• We are rushing to finish other tasks because we haven’t managed our time well
• We don’t consider what we could do!
• We don’t make a plan to do what we love!

I’m guilty of all of the above! However, I’m really trying to be more intentional to slow down each day and do something just for the fun of it. I’ve found that when I do take

time for a little leisure, I’m more productive afterwards!

What kind of things am I talking about? Well, it might look differently for you, but here’s what I enjoy…

A picnic! Now that the weather is pretty, I love taking our lunch outside on one of our porches, or I’ll pack it up and we’ll stop at a park to eat. This week I packed our lunch to eat after we had an appointment. It was much more fun than going to a restaurant! The view was beautiful, the temperature was warm and sunny and it was SO quiet! We had the Asian Chicken Wraps I shared earlier. Yum!

Stopping at a produce stand. This one was adorable. It also served ice cream, so yes, we indulged! We also got to sit in rocking chairs while we enjoyed our treat…another favorite pastime of mine!

A favorite hobby. You probably know I love watercolors. One reason is that it’s so easy to set up and clean up. I have a small watercolor notebook that allows me to do little paintings in a small amount of time. Whatever you enjoy, try to keep it handy so you can sit down and work a little at a time. Whether it’s jigsaw puzzles, knitting, reading, have it out and available.

Play! Of course playing with a child or grandchild is sweet, but you could also play volleyball, pickle ball, frisbee golf, or croquet with friends.

Nature. I love working in my yard and cutting what is growing. I also LOVE walking through the garden area at Lowe’s. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it’s so lovely to stroll. I say it’s my “free pass” to the Biltmore Gardens! Maybe you could start tomatoes even in a pot on your back porch. Or find a struggling plant in the clearance section and bring it home to nurture it. It’s just fun to watch things grow!

My encouragement is to make a list of what you’d love to do this spring and summer. Write it on your phone or in your planner. Then look for times when you can insert those activities in your day. Make a plan then do it.

Friends, life passes quickly and it’s full of struggles and problems. God has put beauty and gifts all around us to enrich our lives. Refresh your life by slowing down to enjoy what is right before you.

Your life will be richer.

Your heart will be rested.

Your mouth will be filled with praise to God.

I pray that those of you who are moms will have a sweet Mother’s Day this weekend. Remember not to put expectations on your husband or children, but reflect gratitude to the Lord Who gave you the gift of motherhood. For those of you who struggle on Mother’s Day, please read this post and be encouraged. You are valued and loved by God!