The sun was already peeking through the blinds when I finally shuffled out of bed, feeling both guilty and giddy for having indulged in such a luxurious sleep-in. My usual routine is dictated by early mornings, so waking up at 9:38 am felt almost rebellious. As I wandered into the kitchen, the quiet calm of the house reminded me that today belonged entirely to me, free from the usual rush and demands.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat by the window, watching the world go by for a while. There’s a certain peace that comes from letting the day unfold slowly, savoring each moment, rather than racing through it. Today, I decided, was a day for rambling, reflecting, and perhaps a little adventure—even if it was only on my own acres.

After reading devotions and deleting emails, I put on my walking shoes and took off on a walkabout. The birds were out in the grass everywhere, shuffling through the leaves looking for a snack.  The squirrels were running through the trees, playing chase. There is no lack of food. Acorns are everywhere… they crunch under my feet as I walk among the oaks. The shadow of a hawk raced across the ground ahead of me. Yes, the sun was shining, the skies were blue, and the air was fresh and pleasant.  I walked around the acres, then walked about, throwing sticks into piles. Lord, if I could sell sticks and acorns, I would be a millionaire. It is relaxing to me to do the yardwork tasks. I enjoy keeping the land. It is a blessing as I see it, the land, this place, and my duty to take care of it.

After my walkabout, I sat on the porch for a while with Jake, watching the day. The flowers are mostly all dead or sleeping still. Their time will come soon to regrow and bloom. I love the spring, but winter or the cold at least is still trying to lay claim to life here in the deep south. It is almost time for dirt. I have many things that need to be repotted this year, dirt time is spring for me. I am sure somewhere there is a very deep hole I have caused from the dirt I have bought each spring. March is when the dirt buying begins…

After porch sitting, I came in and opened the back door so the fresh air could come into the house. Another favorite thing of mine. Airing out the house. After piddling about with laundry, and the constant job of moving “things” from one part of the house  to the other, I sat down in the queen chair and spent a couple of hours talking on the phone to my best friend, we needed a catch-up conversation and to plan for a day out. We both have kids living with us. It is a blessing and a bit of an annoyance. But that is life. Getting older, I seem to relish my alone time and the quiet far more than I probably should. After my conversation, I decided it was time for a last walk of the day, and I set out for a turn around the acres again. Tomorrow my day will be spent working, but today I had an easy, unrushed day… I took time to watch the birds, to smell the air, to listen to the noise of nature, and let its melody ease my soul.

I am headed to bed soon for tomorrow morning, responsibility will be calling… But my day has left me with a smile, a relaxed mood, and hope for the rest of the week ahead. But I, one day at a time it, life that is. God has me. This I know. Today He whispered in my ear to let life just flow, just be. I followed, and it was a gift.  “He restores my soul…” Psalm 23:3  Amidst the chaos and the hate and the ignorance that seem to be ever-present lately in the world, today, I just had a day of unrushed blessing… Take one for yourself. Let the light in, feel its warmth, and let it push the cold and the shadows away. You. Are. Worthy! Give yourself a break…