On Vacation

It seems like ages since I posted something here on Naked on the Tundra.  It was not because there was nothing happening, but because so much was happening.  Every night I fell into bed more exhausted than the night before! 

I have all kinds of stories to share and of course, there are a lot of new things that I’ve been thinking about.  I can’t say enough positive things about the healing powers of a week of vacation.

Last summer I started a new trend – I didn’t check email or voicemail at all while I was on vacation.  I clearly stated on my out of office message that I would not be checking email and you know what?  It was all just fine.  True, I did miss some things and there was a lot to catch up on when I got back, but I’ve learned that it’s not necessary or beneficial to be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 

The thing I like best about taking a real break from work, is that when I go back I feel not just refreshed, but I have a new perspective.  I’m not as easily irritated, problems don’t feel as overwhelming, and solutions to complex problems seem to come more easily.

Randy and Roxanne Frazee wrote a great book about the importance of having a balance between work and home.  It’s called Real Simplicity, the expanded version of Making Room for Life.  The Frazee’s introduced me to the Hebrew Day Planner, which I do my best to adhere to.  After reading it, I realized that while I could go, go, go all day every day, that I shouldn’t, and in fact, I can actually do a better job in every area of my life when I take some time to rest.  Since reading the book, I’ve made a point to keep the Sabbath, resting and relaxing after church, eating simple meals, taking naps, reading a book outside, playing with Hannah in the yard and talking to and visiting with loved ones.

I’m pretty sure this is how we were designed to live – to be productive but also to take time to rest.  It’s not complicated, but it is hard to practice.  How do you keep a good balance between work and rest?  I’d love to hear from you!

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