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When I started using the term “to putter” signifying a time of rest in my day(s), I didn’t realize how much that truth sticks!

I grew up watching older men go to the Co-op for coffee, then wander around town and finally end up home for a leisurely evening.  This was their retirement routine.  Others just started a gardening habit, or began to do woodwork.  They had no reason to stress over time.  Slow but sure became their motto!

I’ve been thinking, why not start the “stressless” sessions early.  Maybe just putter away at things on a day off.  Feel like you don’t have to be anywhere.  Pick up a project and stick with it – slowly, methodically, without the intent of billing the hours of labour to anyone!  And maybe spend a few more minutes cleaning up and enjoying the air!  Breathe!!

Today I’ve been puttering.  Winding up some cords so they look nice, leisurely looking through inconsequential internet sites, and now typing up this blog!  My pulse is slow – which is always a good sign (of course, if there is no pulse, that’s another thing!!).  My stress is low.

And so, until tomorrow, my your putter be great and your stress low!!

I’ve tried to stay away from commenting on our weather.  But, the accumulation of above average temperatures and below normal precipitation has begun to take their toll!

In my lifetime – the greatest part spent in Saskatchewan – I have never seen such weather.  My elders comment in the same vein.  Youth, in their inexperience, have the same sense.

This has meant dry skin and the use of moisturizers.  This has meant very little snow shoveling and less exercise than usual.  This has meant people have attended more activities when another year would have seen storms and blizzards.

The adjustment has not been hard to take.  As a matter of fact, and even a matter of some fancy, we seem to be a bit more lively.  Of course, there has been an earlier onset of asthma attacks.  But in reality, even the sufferers have enjoyed the weather.

And so, for those who are looking out the window right now, “isn’t the weather delightful!”

I’ve noticed these last few days that a vision can be sidetracked by the unexpected.  Even when the unexpected has no particular velcro that would attach to you. 

Unless we allow the unexpected to become a full blown ghost that wraps its illusions around you!

As I talked this over in a side conversation with a colleague he made as side remark.  “Don’t let this derail your vision for what you want for the people you serve.”

Now, all this sounds rather abstract.  To me it is very real.  As I rode my bike this morning, I was talking to God.  The conversation cleared my head.  What I’ve been working towards is worth continuing the race. 

That doesn’t mean that the unexpected is ignored.  Just put into perspective.

Well, it’s not because the clock speeds up.  So far we have fairly standard hours and minutes around the world.  Otherwise stock markets, and shopping and family meals would collapse (OK, maybe they are collapsing, but it’s not because time has changed – maybe “times” have changed!!).

This week we entered one of those periods where our daytimers (now called schedulers . . .) showed little blank space.  An annual meeting, our local manor birthday party, children’s activities and appointments peeked out at us.  And in between we took some rest time (we seem to still be recuperating from our “retreat”, which was restful but brought us back to lots of activity!).

Now, I like busyness.  But combined with the need for rest and the inevitable “one more thing”, busyness can turn into restlessness.  Right now we are pulling on the reins and trusting that our week slows down.  I know there are others that are in the same boat (OK, I switched metaphors – hopefully you are able to keep up!).

May you have a day of rest in the midst of your week as well!!