RevGal Friday Five - "Extravagant Unbusiness"

From Sally, over at RGBP: A timely reminder of the need for self-care, as this is the second week in a row that my day off will not actually be "off." Good reasons, and unavoidable, but a bad habit to get into. All work and no play makes for a cranky cleric. I sense some comp time coming on. In the meantime, here' s my play.

Name 5 things you would do...

1. ...to care for your body.
I'm still in that free weights class, and it's been wonderful! Even though the teenage athletes who regularly use the weight room equipment would likely snicker at the weights I use (far smaller than the tonnage they leave lying around-- home is not the only place they do not pick up after themselves!), I am pleased with my progress.

The current session finishes up the week after Thanksgiving, and the next session doesn't begin until after the new year. I've done so well with this, that I'm hoping to find make time to keep up in between-- doing what I can at home, a few days a week.

2. ...to care for your spirit.
Morning prayers are critical here. I often use the formal Morning Prayer office in the BCP, but not always. In any case, starting the day in prayer is foundational. And then... listening to music. Almost as necessary as breathing.

3. ...to care for your mind
Believe it or not, this is harder than you might think. I love to read, and have all kinds of interesting things lying around waiting for me. I look forward to the opportunity to delve into something that makes me think. But here's the rub-- it also makes me feel guilty if I do so as part of my work day. I struggle with a sense that sitting in a chair with a book in my lap isn't "real work." Yes, I do know it is. I know I cannot be an effective preacher and teacher if I don't; but "knowing" and "feeling" are two different things. I'm working on it.

4. ...to bring a sparkle to your eye.
Fun stuff, with husband and family! One thing we like to do is go to the movies. This can get pricey; but they've just opened up a discount theatre over in Billings, and it's very nice. We saw Ratatouille there a few weeks ago. Not the greatest movie ever made, but a thoroughly fun flick. I'd like to do that more often.

5. ...to place a spring in your step.
Walking! I don't have a routine about this, at the moment; but all four towns that I serve are smallish places, so unless there's a downpour (a real rarity here), I love the opportunity to park my car at the church and walk wherever I need to go. The additional time it takes to get around is relaxing, as well as energizing, and a blessed alternative to all the time I spend sitting behind the wheel.

Enjoy the time to indulge and dream.... and then for a bonus, which one on the list are you determined to put into action?
Make it two: Exercise, and fun family time!