So as I get up today to get ready for work, I'm struck with another killer migraine. As I struggle with the decision of going to work, pangs of guilt strike me for missing a day of teaching eager math students (and some not so eager). However, as my throbbing headache takes over my whole body and nausea sets in, the simplest of tasks become challenges. I walk into the kitchen with a cold, wet rag covering my forehead, my eyes peeking out of the smallest opening underneath for fear of the pain from the light. Just like that, I've been transformed into a 'vampire'. The dark, cool night is my friend. The tiniest ray of morning light causing searing pain to my eyes. Even as I type this, I cannot look at the computer screen. I'm forced to wear sunglasses and type without looking at the screen. A feat I learned in typing many years ago. (This skill also comes in handy when students are taking tests. Because I can type without looking at the screen, I can watch my students as they are testing. Oh the many test taker I've lured into this trap! Inevitably while I'm typing, at least one potential cheater will hear the clicking of the computer keys, assume that I'm preoccupied with what I am doing. It is at the very moment they decide to look around at their neighbor's tests that it happens. They look up to find me gazing directly at them, my eyes fiercely locked on them. Jolted and freaked my by all knowing gaze, they hastily return their eyes to their own papers. My typing never missing a beat. I had one student tell me how this freaked him out. That's good! Another potential cheater thwarted!)
My apologies for going off on a 'tangent.' (Get it? Tangent? I'm a math teacher - going off on a tangent...ha ha. Well, it's funny to my fellow geeks who share my weird sense of humor - or maybe not.) I think my migraine meds are kicking in so I'm getting a little loopy! Okay, a lot loopy! Oh well, so I'm home today. Tired, struggling with this migraine. Though I can not afford to have this migraine nor miss a day of work, here I am. At home. Then I read this mornings Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotion GREEN PASTURES by Micca Monda Campbell.
http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2009/05/greener-pastures.html
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV)
I'll admit it. I tend to be a workaholic. I've shared this fact about myself in other blogs on this topic. God reminded me this morning that I need to take time to rest. Each and every one of us need to take time to rest, to take care of ourselves, to relax and let our hair down. My migraine was no coincidence. It was a reminder of just how much I've neglected myself over the past week. It was God forcing me to take a major time out.
You see, if we are not committed to taking time out to recharge and refresh ourselves, then we can not carry out the mission He has given to us. We are no good to anyone. Even Jesus took time alone, away from the crowds, to pray and rest. We are not greater than our Lord and Savior, so if even He took time out for restoration and rest, then who do we think we are not to? Listen, not a single one of us is the energizer bunny. We can't keep going and going and going. If we do, there will surely be a major crash and somebody will pay - ourselves, our loved ones, and those who depend on us. Carve out some time for yourself everyday. Don't feel guilty about it either. Your time to relax and destress is important - after all, you are only human. It not only is for your good, but for the good of all those around you.
Do something today that you enjoy, something that helps you to relax - a walk, a bike ride, a 'spa' bubble bath, reading, or swinging outside (my favorite since my family gave me a three seater patio swing for Mother's Day). Take care of yourself, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
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