A Day Without Messes

It’s been a long time running since I've experienced a day as refreshing as this one. I'll tell you about it, but be warned: you may get a little jealous. It started when I first opened my eyes. At 10:00 am. Hours after my alarm normally sounds me out of bed. And do you know what I heard?

Nothing.

These, my friends, are the moments that minister to my soul. Do you know what else speaks to me? When I walk out of my room and there are no messes to clean up...no little people that need to be changed. I don’t even have to brush my teeth (my husband disagrees). Because the only thing I’m faced with today is the bright teal Caribbean Sea. 

After about an hour of moseying about in my fluffy robe like a big, white bunny I decided to dress and (with much encouragement from my husband) brush my teeth. With all of the tasks that I'd happily not do today I hardly knew how to choose from the long list of activities offered aboard the ship. Venturing out of my cabin I wandered over to the espresso bar to help jump-start some brain activity. With a vanilla latte in hand I found a seat at the edge of the ship overlooking the ocean. Still, peacefulness enfolded me. Reflections of the warm morning sun danced about on the water and settled on my skin. In the distance I watched as waves made their way to the shore and lapped like lace upon the soft white sands. I imagined sinking my toes into their warm depths. And as I sat there breathing in the salty air and breathing out all my worries, I experienced something very strange: I was sipping my latte.  

I never have time to sip (It’s quite soothing – seriously, try it sometime).

Savoring the last few drops I decided I ought to get a little exercise in. There was a yoga class in session and thought I'd give it a try. But when I caught a glimpse through the gym window I realized I was too old and not enough like a pipe cleaner to bend my body in the ways those women were doing. We're talking left-foot-red, right-hand-green kind of contortions. So...I got a massage instead (I mean…I did sweat a little).

The rest of the day was filled with good food for my body (prepared and cleaned up by someone else), and good food for my soul at the Bible conference (did I mention how much I love hearing David Jeremiah speak in person?), more sun, more ocean, more food (no exercising) and a room where someone else (thank you, Alice) straightened up my mess and made my comfy bed. I needed this day. I can’t even imagine what I’ll do (or not do) tomorrow. I've always wondered what a day without messes felt like. 

Now I know!