Balancing the urgent, the necessary, and the precious.

I am hobbling around like an old lady again.

Stubborn, foolish me has (yet again) been doing more than I know ought to do, and popped that herniated disc right back out. I had the best of intentions – both to take care of this body and to serve my family. I’ve tried to be careful, to follow the doctor’s orders, and yet to also do what needs to be done.

Indeed, I tried to be careful as I stood bent over our bull-mastiff in the bathtub, fighting to hold her in the tub while washing the skunk spray out of her fur. It would have been much wiser to wait for Hubbie to arrive home from work that evening and let him wash the dog, but I know how keen his sense of smell is, and how disheartening it must be to arrive home from a long two-day shift to the immediate task of bathing a skunked dog. Good intentions rarely accomplish much unless coupled with wisdom. So I washed her…and that wrestling match was the last straw.

Which is why I recline here now. Thinking. Writing. Surrounded by boxes that need to be unpacked and a large number of other projects. Trying not to think about the looming regular household tasks for a couple days.

And, you know, when I can ignore the urgent and obligatory, I really do enjoy the present.

This morning our boys surprised us with an anniversary brunch. They presented a restaurant-style feast complete with menus, candles, background music, and even my grandmother’s china. I couldn’t sit at the table through the whole event because of my back, but they said their restaurant allowed standing. The youngest then piped up that their facility had a spa with heating pads and an electric massager, which opened after brunch and happened to be free today, if I was interested (Um…YES!).

Hubbie and I both ordered the French Toast with eggs and hash browns, mine with a side of Brussels sprouts. They served peaches and homemade bread as a first course. They are each becoming wonderful cooks! I honestly can’t imagine having a better meal at any restaurant, no matter what the price.

I also can’t imagine any better company.

The time I have with my family is slipping away far too quickly. I really need to be disciplined to enjoy the present. To savor these precious days, even as I work to accomplish those other ‘important’ things. (And, yes, some of them are important, and can’t be neglected!) To take care of myself so I can continue to serve those I love.

I’ve never been good at balance. I’ve always been driven, to a fault. But it shouldn’t take an injury that prevents me from doing the urgent and obligatory to force me to get my priorities in order. May God give me the strength and wisdom to do what I know I ought to do, the grace to recognize and repent when I don’t, and more sweet moments to treasure.