I woke up this morning with the joy of knowing I didn’t have  to get up.  It’s a holiday, a glorious day off.  And yet, not all days off are wonderful days.  Today, I have been very much at loose ends, and not doing so great at being busy and content at home.  The morning started out pleasant enough–I had coffee and a bagel and did my morning devotions without the rush-rush-get-to-work dance going on in the back of my mind.  I caught up on grading, and promptly came to a standstill.  Workout or clean house?  I doubted I had the energy to do both.  I sat down on the couch to think about it.  While sitting on the couch, I read the first three pages of three different books.  Nothing caught my attention.

     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.