My Ideal Ideal Day #2

Awakening to the vague pulse of life breathing around me, I linger in bed just thinking of the dreams dreamt, slowly opening my eyes to a new day. No matter the time, for I have no schedule and no responsibilities other than myself this morning. In our retirement, dear husband and I usually arise at different hours, and over the years have found our solitude a place of nourishment for our souls. We have found it is OK to be wired differently. Our together time will resume a bit later. For now, I can enjoy this time freely.

My ideal day is one without conflict. Free from pressure to do things I really do not wish to do; yet, still nurture and remain connected to those relationships that are vital. Also to honor myself with time I need, while caring for others as well. Unless I have been previously summoned to help, I am free to take this day as it unfolds. Inspiration might be to finally pull the paints out again. Write more; study Scripture. Read an uplifting novel just because I enjoy doing so so much. Or put my thinking cap away and purge closets, install sliding drawers, get rid of clutter stuffed in hidden places. Tend to routine chores. Or take a walk, go for a drive, write letters, maybe be enthused to cook a new dish. Serve others in ways I have not expected. Or . . . parasail! Though I have yet to do so, I imagine the view must be grand!

On those days when schedules rule, I conform myself to be on time and in place. Structure is a necessary framework. Yet knowing the essence of floating jelly-fish style in life has its merits, too. God does provide! And as I come before Him to listen, invite Him into “my” day, all manner of interesting things might occur. There is a freedom that is both wondrous and disconcerting in following after God . . . being free within a great set of God-given boundaries allows one to find internal freedom and peace increasing and increasing, no matter what life might bring, as one practices obedience to God’s precepts. A fabulous and amazing reality of living in God’s kingdom! “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32 NKJV).

And so as I consider how to live today I search for the peace that passes all understanding, and endeavor to view my day through that lens. Since I have trusted God to guide and direct my life I have never ceased to be amazed at what possibilities and realities might unfold. For who knows better what is best for my day than the One who created me. “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 18:9). Whether He teaches me a new truth, brings to mind a wrong I have committed that I need to correct, motivates me to be His hands and feet serving others; no matter how the day unfolds, with the LORD as my guide, every day becomes, in truth, an ideal ideal day!