It was just the kind of morning that I needed to have. I woke up early and saw the mist over the river. The outside was beckoning me to come. I brewed some coffee, threw on some clothes and informed my husband that I was making a break for it. On the way out the door I grabbed my favorite blackberry container (A gallon jug with the top cut off) and headed for the woods.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved picking berries. I always dreamed of living at a place where there would be tons of them. That, I am happy to say, is a dream that has come true. Sure I could drive to the Farmer’s market and buy blackberries in half the time, but I enjoy picking them. It’s relaxing. This morning as I picked, I prayed, I sang, I thought and I dreamed. Thinking and dreaming are two activities I don’t have much time for these days, so I especially enjoyed doing these.
It was silent in the woods, except for the screeching hawk that occasionally flew over my head and for the insects making their music. I stepped deeper and deeper in the tall grass, trying to keep in mind the warnings of my neighbor that the snakes are bad this year. He says he killed a copperhead as big around as a baseball bat. I filled my jug halfway and noted that the bulk of the berries are yet to come.
I slowly walked home from my expedition and found my family relaxing on the front porch. We spent a few minutes together, before I headed in the house for a warm bath and to make a blackberry pie. After such a relaxing morning, I feel like a new woman!
As I’ve been blogging about Christian motherhood, I’ve talked about the importance of meeting with God and also of having friendships with other women. I value these things very much. I have a tendency to overlook the personal time, but I realized today that it is very necessary. The fact is, it’s been a rough couple of weeks for me. I’ve been exhausted and mentally drained. I was running on empty. I’m not a big proponent of taking “me-time”. I guess I’ve seen it abused. I’ve observed women who use “me-time” for their own selfish indulgences. However, I’m beginning to see that I absolutely need a little solitude from time to time.. Sometimes, “me-time” is just what I need in order to keep pouring my life out for others. In this case, I guess “me-time” really isn’t about me.
So, am I the only mom that needs to get away every now and then? What do you do when you need refreshing? Do you have a special place you run to or a special activity that relaxes you? Please share!