rest stop

Rest time is so important. That might sound really obvious - and it is - but sometimes we just keep running so hard that we forget we don't have an infinite energy supply and we do actually need to recharge. While we might feel that the world will collapse if we don't do every single little thing we've taken on, in actual fact, not resting makes us less effective and is totally counterproductive.

Must remember that.

This weekend hasn't been the most relaxing I've ever had, and there has still been some running around, but I have slept a bit more, chilled out a lot, and just feel a whole lot better. Less anxious, and less like the sky is going to come crashing down on my head.

Started the weekend with a group training session at the gym. To some of you, that might sound perverse, but it helped a lot. Cleared out the cobwebs, got the blood flowing, and I laughed a lot with my trainer Nazlie, and the other girl who turned up. It was kind of nice that there were only two of us, it felt a lot more relaxed and fun. I wandered around the Randwick shopping centre for a while, bought mum some more track pants/shorts and myself some cheap tops that actually look great. Amazing how when you're desperately trying to find clothes, you can never find something, and when you just grab a $6 t shirt on the off chance it'll look good, it's actually a lot better than half the stuff you own.

Visited mum, and my 'godmother' Freda was there, so it was nice to sit and chat for a while. I did tire quite quickly though, and I felt bad about leaving mum there without anyone to talk to. I know she doesn't expect me to stay there the whole time, but I also know how boring and lonely it can be, just sitting or lying around in hospital with nothing to do. I came home and had a rest, then Bec, Kieran and Amelia came round for dinner and DVDs. We watched Stranger than Fiction and Garden State, two excellent off-kilter yet strangely sweet movies that I was just in the mood for (and had already seen, but I don't mind repeat viewings, which is why I have such a large DVD collection).

Went to church this morning, found it quite hard to focus, but was encouraged, being reminded that Jesus is the son of God, and our shepherd, and no one can snatch us from his hand. I asked Jeremy to come to the hospital and give mum communion, which he kindly did and it was actually a great mini 'service', the three of us sitting there, reading through the service, praying and sharing communion - both in the bread-and-wine sense, and in the sitting together and having fellowship as Christians. Jeremy read us his favourite communion passage from Matthew 11, and it just underscored everything I'd been thinking about needing to rest, and reminding me where we can find ultimate peace:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

(such great verses!)

Janice from church had given mum a new CD of Christian music to listen to, but she had no CD player. So I went to Bondi Junction, and although I couldn't afford it, I bought her a purple iPod shuffle and loaded it up with the new CD and all the EMU albums I have. She was so excited when I took it in to her! I think it will help her feel less frustrated and lonely. She loves listening to music, and especially loves reflecting and praying while listening to Christian stuff, so hopefully it will help.

And Dave has come to stay for a couple of days. Of course we went and got Krispy Kremes and watched some Family Guy, so it's just like old times, really. Although I like being on my own, and I've been so busy this week I haven't often had time to feel alone, it is good to have company.

Anyway. I should go to bed soon...make sure I have the energy for the week ahead. Hopefully it's not as full on as last week and we can get back to an almost even keel!