Dear Ones,
Hope you wake to a beautiful day and anticipate the things the Lord has planned for you. If you didn’t have to do any work today, what would give you pleasure? 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
There are many people today that have heavy work schedules and live very busy active lives that often leave them exhausted. But everyone needs some time of leisure, a time of recuperation and to find ourselves. I was reading the chapter on leisure in Michael Casey’s book, Grace on the Journey to God, and leisure seems like something we all should have in our schedules. Some think of it only as downtime and may get involved in so much activity that it is more tiring than their work. But I read today from Mark 6:31 (ESV) Jesus words to his disciples, “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”  We also need to have leisure time to lose ourselves in activities that give us space and unhurried time to quiet down and simply be ourselves. It could be we turn to music, or poetry, art, writing, sports etc.  When we become fully involved in what we are focused on, we will find fulfillment and enjoyment; it often leaves us feeling refreshed as we express ourselves in creative ways and our hearts get renewed.
As I read about Leisure time, I recognize that I like to cook and make up recipes and I have such a willing hubby that loves to sample them. But I also like to paint and make greeting cards to send and yet I haven’t taken out my paints since we moved here to Northern Lakes. Maybe we think we are wasting time when we take time out to do enjoyable creative leisure things, but there is more to life than making money or hurrying about.
Casey wrote, “Leisure is purposeful and personal activity that aspires to be marked by flow… It is, above all, being attentive to the present moment, open to all its implications, living it to the full.” Perhaps it is more important to do a few things well, and being fully present with time left over to be reflective. When we visit a monastery gift store, their handmade items seem special to us as the monks put their whole self and concentration into the quality of their work. It is quite different from when we multitask and settle for so much less. When we are fully engaged, we will find that time seems to fly and we discover more of our true selves. It also helps us be open more to others, to listen, and make space to grow. Let us not neglect leisure in our lives!
Challenge for today: Make room in your life for some leisure time this week.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy