“Work is not always required . . . there is such a thing as sacred idleness,
the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.” – George MacDonald
May was a well-planned month that came undone. I planned a few days of respite for myself and then a one week visit with my Mom in Texas. I got sick and never left town but got some much needed rest. Then Jim and I planned a staycation for the last week of May. My brothers-in-law were taking over the care giving of Dad Joiner for us that week. But the time set aside for staycation was meant for something altogether different. Dad Joiner passed on early Monday morning, May 23. We were able to spend time together as a family remembering, looking through photos and memorabilia and planning next steps. As many of you know it’s a long process.
How do you handle plans turned inside out? Are you open to another, higher purpose than your own?
We enter the summer season leaving behind the role of care givers (Jim being the main care giver). When I think of summer this year, I think of needing time to mourn, rest and discover what might be next for us as a couple. I think of needing the sacred idleness in the George MacDonald quote. I am not sure I know how sacred idleness looks but I mean to do a little research by attempting to practice it in my own life.
Have you discovered something of sacred idleness? I would love to hear what you have learned and how you put it into practice. Do you also need sacred idleness and how are you exploring it in your life?
I know I need my creative batteries recharged. Though I tried maintaining creative energy for blogging, I have fallen short. I enjoy coming to this space and am not ready to give up. So this summer’s blog posts may look a little different and hopefully become a bit more interactive. It would be lovely to have a conversation with you. We have plans, when time allows, to give the blog a new look and a new home. If I am brave enough, I would like to do a few Instagram live sessions. It’s hard to know if it would serve a purpose but then I won’t know until I try.
What are longing for this summer? Is there something you want to try but are stuck figuring it all out first? What helps you take the risk and try something new with a willingness to learn along the way?
I hope you will share in the comments. Many of you are reading this on FaceBook. You can also follow me on Instagram @juliejjoiner where I may attempt to go live a few times this summer.
