Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Mental health moments


The above picture may not look like much, but it reflects some special moments ...
A couple of weeks ago I talked about taking a "mental health day" (or more accurately, an afternoon) and today I want to share some "mental health moments" from this past weekend.  What is the neatest thing is the way they came about.

For months now, at least since January, Mr. T and I have been thinking about a getaway.  For various reasons, mostly involving eldercare needs, we have had to put it off.  Originally we were thinking about an overnight getaway and even had a destination in mind.  But a couple of weeks ago, I began to feel that we needed something more relaxing.  A cabin, maybe, not a hotel room.  With a water view.  A situation where we could prepare our own simple meals and not be dependent on restaurants.  And so on.  When I mentioned these thoughts to my hubby, he heartily agreed and added his thought that we should take two nights, not just one.  Those plans are still in the works and may be a long way off.  However, in the meantime ...
Last week my desire for tranquility became so great that I had this thought:  what if we take our camping chairs and maybe a snack and just go to the water's edge somewhere and just sit for a few hours?  I even had a place in mind, a public beach at a nearby lake which I was pretty sure would be very uncrowded at this time of year.  I didn't voice this thought, though, as our week was very busy with work, errands, and eldercare.  Remember, I never said a word about it.  The neat part is about to happen.

So, on Saturday after lunch Mr. T asked, "I know we're both really busy, but do you think you could spare an hour or so?  I was thinking we could take our camping chairs to the public beach and just sit and watch the water for a little while." 

He was dumbfounded when I told him I had had the exact same thought just a few days previously.  We concluded that there was absolutely no doubt as to what we needed to do, so promptly packed up the chairs, grabbed a couple of apples, and headed out.  The day was dreary and overcast, but at least there was no rain.  We encountered a cloud of bugs when we first moved toward the water, but a breeze picked up and kept them away. 


It was quiet and tranquil with just the sounds of water (and passing cars in the background, for a road was behind us).  We soaked up the serene view of water and  trees, noticing those pretty pastels of trees that are just leafing out.   The picture below is of our own woods in a previous spring.
If you look closely you can see not only a spring green tree dominating the photo, but a pinkish tree to the left.  We saw trees similar to this across the lake, but were not close enough to get photos.

We stayed perhaps a half-hour or a little more and then reluctantly left for home.

And, although I have no sunshiney, sparkly photos to show for our mental health moments, I have something even better -- the sure knowledge that our all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful Creator God always knows what we need and is faithful to provide it -- in the greatest detail.

10 comments:

  1. Well I shall wait for the lakeside moment needing a little more warmth than you folks had. I can see how it would be most restful and peaceful and I hope that soon you will be off to your cabin weekend before that scene gets crowded and noisy. It does seem as if you could both use the time to store up your reserves for the next while. Are your siblings around to help out? I know that The Lord is faithful and will lovingly lead you on.

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    1. Yes, it was a bit cool. But we had fleece jackets and were thankful for the breeze -- just enough to keep the bugs at bay. And it was restful; just a nice respite even though our time was limited.

      Yes, a time to store up reserves ... sounds just perfect. We need it. If and when we do get away to Back Lake, we will likely go on a weekday when it won't be so crowded.

      Nope, no siblings to help, but you are so right in saying that the Lord is faithful. He will indeed lovingly lead us on. We are looking to Him to do that step by step, and it's so good to see His leading all along the way. Thanks for the encouragement, Vee!

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  2. So glad that you got a moment to sit and reflect....

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    1. Me too, Arlene. Even a few minutes can be very helpful and refreshing. Thanks for your prayers, my friend!

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  3. That is just what I need...maybe thirty minutes away from the hustle and bustle. I have my mother to see about it and sometimes it can get to you. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It can indeed get to you, Sandy. It sounds as if you are somewhat in the same boat as me. I know, I do understand, that many caregivers have it much harder than I do. And I'm thankful that my situation is no worse than it is. But it's still difficult.

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  4. Those mental health moments are so important and it is so nice when God puts it on our spouses heart/mind to take a little time just to breathe.Always thankful for the breath of fresh air and the new perspective we often have on life when we leave. :)

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    1. Those momenta are indeed so important -- in any season of life, I think, but the eldercare season is especially hard. I was so thankful that we both had the same thought. Yes, time just to breathe. I could use about a week of it, but a half hour at a time works for now!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. How wonderful that both you and your husband had the same thoughts! I love when that happens, and such an enjoyable experience you both had, just relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the Lord's creation! Eldercare is such a demanding and taxing situation, you and your husband probably need to do this more often! It is amazing what a few minutes relaxing outside can do for your overall well being. Much love to you today!

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    1. I like your prescription that we need to take this time more often, Marilyn! It's hard to carve out time. Saturday was a very busy day for us this past weekend, but we did take an early morning moment at Dunkin' Donuts picnic table and it fortified us quite a bit. This is such a challenging season of life!

      My hubby and I find that we often have the same thoughts, but this one -- going to the lake for just a bit -- was especially neat.

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for your friendship in the Lord!

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