A Day Off Journal

One of the many blessings of my position at St. Alban’s is that I get one day off every week.  Usually on Fridays, I have the opportunity to sleep in, make a big breakfast, play golf, read, or just sit around and play with my dog.

Today was one of those very special days that has been the busy type of day off.  By no means has this been negative.  Indeed, sometimes I like to be doing things on my day off because it gives my brain and soul a chance to munch on different things.

First things first – I woke up early (before 7:00) and brewed a pot of coffee.  Ummmm….coffee.  With this little shock to the system I started cleaning the house.  I tidied up the kitchen, dusted, and worked outside in the yard.

In the midst of a busy week, I often don’t get to spend as much time out back as I would like.  But the good Lord treated me to a special delight this morning when I discovered that my cilantro has finally germinated and grown!  Much to my dismay, I also discovered that our dumb dog has been walking around in the other herbs.  Grrrr.

Then I had my prayer time.  Being at prayer is what ties all of my days together.  Every day for me is vastly different: I might be going to the hospital, writing a sermon, talking to homeless people, or taking a day off.  To make sense of it all, I pray.  I listen to the Lord and the Lord kindly listens to my murmuring, thanksgiving, and intercessions.  Usually, the dog prays with me.

Then I went for a run around the neighborhood (only about 3 miles today).  After a quick shower I was off to spiritual direction.  Barbara Wells, a dear friend at St. Paul’s, is my spiritual director.  We share, we talk, we laugh, we ponder, and we pray.

For lunch, I had the pleasure of sharing a meal with the priest who is responsible for me, the Rev. Courtland Moore.  Without his continued wisdom, counsel, and advice, I would not be who I am today.  Thanks be to God for mentors.

Right now, I’m sitting out on the back patio, blogging, and getting ready crack open a beer do some theology reading (I’m still slogging my way through Theology & Social Theory).  After that, I think I’ll take the dog for a walk, make dinner for me and my bride.  Then, as if that wasn’t enough, I’m off to Midway High School for the football game against University High.

After today’s busy schedule, I think I need a day off…