Black Friday=Day of Rest

I had plans yesterday of getting up, hitting the gym, working all day on projects around the house, etc.  I even toyed briefly with the idea of going shopping to get a deal on the kids' Christmas gifts, but after working at the mall for 4 Christmases, I know that shopping today would be a humbug for me.  I also thought about putting the Christmas decorations up (which is usually our tradition to do this weekend).  But in the end, I have done pretty much nothing all day and it feels great!  I couldn't do this every day, nor would I want to, but every now and then, it is just nice to just be unproductive.  So far today I have: checked my e-mail, facebook, and blogs; served bagels for breakfast; watched a movie alone while my kids in the basement (which I never do, especially on a weekday); played a video game with Josh; had a nerf gun battle with the kids; ate leftovers; watched "Cars" with the kids; napped with Bella on the couch after she fell asleep when "Cars" ended; napped by myself after she woke up and went off to play with Elias; and now I am typing this.  I have thought briefly about all that I should be doing, but I feel like it is a little late in the day to start now.  I know that tomorrow will be more hectic because I didn't get anything accomplished today, but I know God knew what he was talking about when he taught us that we need a day of rest.  For a long time, Josh and I have tried diligently to make Sundays a day of rest - not to do extra work that day, to spend time as a family, to review with the kids and ourselves what we learned in church that morning.  But I have to admit that since Elias started school last year, it just hasn't been the same for me.  Sunday is just before Monday and Monday has became "Just another manac Monday".  On Sunday, I am getting into "general mode", making my strategic plans for the week in my head and on paper.  I have to make sure clothes are laid out, lunch is packed, homework is done, etc.  Josh is also beginning to think about his week of work.  It really has taken much out of our day of rest.  It is not surprising that resting is more of a mental exercise than a physical one.  Doesn't it all lead back to our hearts and minds?  "Love the Lord your God with all your  heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."  There is a song that I used to listen to in the mornings at work to sort of bring me peace before the start of busy days.  Now, it pops into my mind whenever I feel that my mind needs a little rest.  It sort of like a back and forth conversation between God and a man who is struggling with having rest of mind.

Rest Easy by Audio Adrenaline

One more mile 'til I lay rest
I have put myself through this rigid test
But the mile has never ended no distance has been gained
I do not see greatness I wanted to obtain
Where is my embrace from the race that I have run?
I have kept a steady pace but still I have not won

[CHORUS]
Rest easy
have no fear
I love you perfectly
love drives out fear
I'll take your burden
you take My grace
Rest easy
in My embrace

I am such a sinner I fear my evil ways
I fear my imperfection I fear my final days
I just want to take control and snap this rusty chain
drop my heavy burden it seems to be in vain

[REPEAT CHORUS]

[BRIDGE]
I am not a bold man even though I want to be
I am just a dreamer with a timid history
Scared of confrontations I fume all through the night
the world has it's hold on me and I just want to fly
The sky, the sky is open wide
but I can't fly 'til I step aside

[CHORUS II]
Rest easy
have no fear
I love you perfectly
and perfect love drives out fear
I'll take your burden
you take My grace
Rest easy
in My embrace
Rest easy, rest easy
rest easy, in My embrace
Rest easy