Once in awhile, translated as more often than I admit, I awake exhausted. The combination of chaos, deadlines, pushing things to the edge, winning and losing culminates with nothing left in my tank. I am tired, oh so tired. Today is one of those days. I know there are to-do items still on the list however for now they will continue to wait. I need to unplug.
The good news is that I could see it coming and planned accordingly. Nothing is rigid on the schedule. Lunch with friends at a great restaurant will crease fun memories. The plan post the meal I never want to end is simply, drive north and relax.
I close my eyes and I can already see and smell. Dry dusty air and oak trees giving way to vineyards. Eventually we will encounter stands of forest where the dusty air changes ever so slightly. It is a wonderful place to let go and simply be. Cell phones barely work so there is no need to pay attention to them. I do not know of anyone that is expecting me to be anywhere in the next twenty-four hours, so stress can stand down. Everything is an invitation to let God do the talking.
I recall a psalm reflecting the same invitation; “Call out ‘Bravo!’ to God, the High God of Israel. His splendor and strength rise huge as thunderheads.” (Psalm 68.34) The invitation is always standing with us. I do not need to wait or even hesitate, but I usually do. As I reflect, searching for reasons and rationale, I realize that pulling the plug is always my choice. The realization is liberating. I know I cannot change yesterday. I also know tomorrow has not arrived. I can take my decision and the pulled plug and pursue what is with the same intensity I usually bring to the rest of my life.
I walk out into the vineyard with a sense of openness, willing to experience what life offers me. It is a recipe I hope to repeat again and again.
