Slow Down.......

That is what my body was telling me on Monday but I choose to power through the week then ended up sick & on the couch all day on Friday.  Thankfully I could rest with my boys at VBS all morning and 2 sweet friends who took the boys home for me after VBS.  Though I wasn't horribly sick, I needed some rest & medicine.  Summer break isn't the ideal time for moms to get sick- many of us are home with kids needing supervision and entertainment. 

Needless to say, my work-out schedule was not a success this week.  This was disappointing because I was so excited to have my mornings free to run since my boys were attending VBS at a local church. 

Monday-  I woke up Monday morning with a sore throat but figured I would feel better as the day went on.  I took the boys to VBS- I think there were about 2000 children in attendance.  I wanted to go for a 7-8 mile run but as soon as I left the neighborhood I felt like I had to "go to the bathroom"- I hate when that happens.  So I stayed close to home and only logged in about 5 miles.  Afterwards, I started cleaning & laundry before picking up the boys from VBS.  Later in the afternoon I took my oldest to a free indoor hockey clinic. 

Tuesday-  My husband and I planned to go to the track on Tuesday night.  He gave up a tennis match in order to keep our track "date".  So I didn't need to work-out when the boys were at VBS.  I scheduled a coffee date with a woman from church.  After VBS, I had a 1 1/2 hour conference call with our financial planner.  I then took the boys to the dentist at 2:30 pm- no cavities!  When Glenn got home at 6 pm, I was tired from the day but also from my cold.  But I knew I could power through our track time- we were only doing 4x800s.  We took the boys and the dog.  It was a fun way to spend the night as a family.

Wednesday-  I was suppose to run at 5 am with my friends but I canceled it knowing that I wasn't feeling great and I was scheduled to teach at church that morning.  I wanted to make sure I had enough rest so that I could be fresh for bible study.  My throat was still sore.... before VBS I rescued a small snake who was wrapped in a band aid (weird story), boys got a ride to/from VBS from a friend who witnessed the snake rescue, taught a 2 hour bible study class on quiet time, had a lunch play date with a girlfriend and her 2 daughters, then dog training class for Desi.

Thursday-  I got up at 7 am to do a 40 minute yoga tape.  It felt good to stretch and strengthen- I planned a long run on Friday.  After VBS drop-off, I had a breakfast with a friend, then meet with a roofer about our 17 year old roof.  I picked up boys from VBS, quickly went to buy used indoor hockey skates for Matt, drop boys at friend's house so I could attend an afternoon tea with Jake's teacher & other parents.  Later that night, I went to a book club for "The Story" at a girlfriend's house and didn't get home until 10 pm. 

Friday-  When Friday morning came along I woke up feeling yucky.  My run was definitely canceled, along with the play dates I had scheduled for my boys.  Luckily both moms could have the play dates at their houses so I would have a few more hours to rest from my cold.  After dropping the boys at VBS, I had to go to Target for some groceries.  When checking out, I dropped a glass jar of salsa on the ground- it splattered everywhere.  No one was hurt and the Target people were very friendly and helpful- I was very embarrassed but really just tired and looking forward to some much needed rest.  I spent the rest of the afternoon, drinking hot tea and water while watching old episodes of "Bones".  I played solitaire on my Nook and took a little nap.  Matt spent the night at his friend's house so Glenn, Jake and I watched "Thor" on Netflix while eating Boli pizza. 

Saturday-  I woke up this morning feeling a whole lot better.  I spent my morning on the pool deck with the Lord, praying & reading my Bible.  I realized that I just didn't listen to my body and kept pushing when I should have rested.  Sometimes I do the same thing in my spiritual life- instead of just waiting, resting, listening for the Lord, I sometimes choose to push ahead of Him and His plans for me.  I get anxious for things to happen and start to move when I should stay or act when I need to wait.  When that happens I usually end up exhausted and tired- needing some spiritual rest.  I could stay myself some time and energy by being obedient in the first place- relying on His timing and listening to His voice.

I shared my "crazy-detailed" schedule with you because I bet you can relate- we are all so busy, running from here to there.  In order for my "running schedule" to stay in tact, I need to slow down in my day to day schedule.  I need to get lots of rest and good nutrition which will help my body stay strong and not get run down.  The same goes with my "spiritual schedule"- I need to prioritize time with God so that I can have more peace, patience, kindness, and direction in my life.  To stay strong spiritual I need to protect my time with God- make a daily commitment to be in His Word. 
Malachi 2:16 says "So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith."

I thought our summer time schedule would be easier, less hectic- this week has proven me wrong.  How do you keep yourself from becoming run down physically and/or spiritually?