Today is the fifth day this week that we have experience sub-zero temperatures.  There are snow drifts in our roads and blowing snow.  It’s not a good time to get out.  It hasn’t been a good time to get out for several days.  While I am normally prone to cabin fever during such times, right now, I am so thankful that I don’t have to worry about slick roads and dangerous temperatures.  Eventually–maybe even in just a few days, the temperatures will warm up a bit and the snow will melt, and I will be able to get around  much easier.  My days and weeks will be busy when school starts back up next week, and the weekends will be crammed with errands and socializing.  I will probably get a little overwhelmed–maybe a little stressed out.  I will think…Wouldn’t it be nice to just have a day or two at home without a bunch of things I had to do?

And, maybe I’ll remember this housebound week in January.  A week of reading, napping, and quiet…time to take long baths, time to bake, time to play with the puppy…time to clean the house without rushing even…This slower paced life will not last forever, but for the time being, I am choosing to see it as a gift– a gift of time, and a gift of relaxation.  There are so many small things that come with the blessing of being at home that I never noticed before–the time to watch all of the news, time to make anything at all for supper, time to exercise to a DVD, time to read.

If you are at home today, whether by choice or chance, I hope you find joy there and are able to create your own pace as you make your rounds in the house.  If you are like me, and sometimes see this blessing of being home, as being stuck, it helps me to make lists of little things I want or need to do each day.  I try to make sure that I am getting at least one thing accomplished that I really need to do (like exercise or balance the bank statement, etc.) and at least one thing that I want to do that will be fun (like read a good book, or try a new recipe).  Of course, I do more than two things in a day, but it helps just to have some priorities set up as you move through the day.   I think one of the pitfalls of being home is that I can take on this attitude of “I’ve got all day” and end up dilly-dallying and not getting as much done because there seems to be so much time.

Enjoy this day and the gifts it offers!

Worrying about tomorrow doesn’t solve any problems

it only robs today of its strength.

I want my today to be strong–that’s all I’ve got to work with right now–to enjoy, to appreciate, to bless, and be blessed.  Praise God for this day called today.  I am pulling my emotions back to this moment–I cannot live in the future any more than I can live in the past.

My favorite method of refocusing is by giving thanks for the special blessings of today.  Here goes:

• I am thankful to live fairly close to all of my family and to be able to stay in touch with them via email, texting and phone calls.
• I am thankful for a thoughtful husband.
• I am thankful for safe travel to and from work.
• I am thankful for Christmas lights and Christmas music and sugar cookies!
• I am thankful for rediscovering all of my favorite sweaters.
• I am thankful for the sounds of home–the hum of the heater, the click of my fingers on the keyboard, and again, Scout’s snoring.
• I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, who hems me in on all sides–going before, beside and behind–what a comfort!
• I am thankful for good books and the ability to read, and the time to read.
• I am thankful for all of the lovely, upbeat people that I work with.
• I am thankful for my coffee maker!
• I am thankful for the beauty of changing seasons.
• I am thankful for my little mini Christmas tree and for the little Snowman who sings “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” when you squeeze his hand.

Let me emphasize to myself and to you–today is precious. Absolutely priceless.  We have got to train ourselves to savor and enjoy the moments we’re given.  That’s what gives today its strength.

     Via a perusal of Facebook updates from my friends, this is a family day for most.  However, my family (hubby) still has to work.  I was tempted to go into town–I found myself inventing reasons that I needed to get out, even though town is a good distance away and not worth the trip without a definite purpose.

     So, I am making bread.  For whatever reason, this is an activity that brings me peace, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment in the fresh-baked loaves.  I am also shifting my focus.  It’s okay to not  have big, grandiose holiday plans, and I am not under any law that says I have to be busy every minute.

     Sitting on the couch with my apron still tied on, I listen to the hum of the air conditioner unit, and enjoy the serenity.  I remember how many times days that I feel like “I didn’t do anything” I later think of as really enjoyable times.  Either way, the creative action of creating the bread has created a shift in me.  This day has its own blessings, and its own unique circumstances.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.  I am okay with reading a chapter in a book that is good but not great, cleaning the house, lighting a candle, and watering the flowers.  Praise God for the simple pleasure found in simple tasks.