Relaxing day

I hope you all here in the states had a nice long Memorial day weekend. A time to reflect on those who have served our country, and especially those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy still in this country.

Yesterday I decided to work in the ‘cat-rium’ off the back of my cottage. We called it the ‘cat-rium’ because that is where Miss Tork would hang out, before she became an indoor girl. The jacuzzi was empty, needed leaves cleaned out and a good rinsing before filling up.  I re-arranged iron furniture, brought in more plants. I sat in the swing back there while the tub was filling and it just felt so good to be doing nothing.

My life has been more or less stressed/hectic since my dear husband had that night of horrible cramping of muscles in his neck August 2012, then 4 months of caring for him as his health went downhill until he left this planet for his heavenly home 9 Dec. 2012. I continued working at my job, took care of paperwork that needed taking care of and muddled through grieving my loss of my best friend, the love of my life.

God has been my strength getting me through each and every day, without Him, I would be a total basket case. I’ve spent way too many hours attached to my computer, trying to fill the void that is now part of my life. I’ve stressed over getting unfinished projects finished, wanting everything done ‘now’. The first year was lived pretty much in a fog, and I still have foggy days, but I am starting to relax more. Whether or not things get done in a hurry, is not a priority. Yes, I would like things ‘done’, but in the whole scheme of things they aren’t all that important. I will do what I can when I can, if I can.

Loving God and others is what’s important. He knows all of my needs, He loves me dearly and my trust in Him is for Him to work all things out.

Today it felt good to just do nothing that needed to be done, just relax and putter. All the rest can wait until tomorrow and days ahead. After lunch I took a nap, then got up and it was time to enjoy the jacuzzi.  There is no hot water hooked up to it, as it is heated by the sun.  Although, with the screening overhead, it is not as hot as it used to be.  When I got in this afternoon the water was 82 degrees. I just sat on the side and dangled my legs in until they got used to it, then went down on knees and it was waist high gasping, then slowly let myself down and got used to the cool water.  The jets circulating the water felt so good and I probably spent 20-30 minutes enjoying hydrotherapy.

My dear husband created this room from curbside materials, aluminum, wood, screening. We got the jacuzzi for $100 at the GoodWill many, many years ago. Bought a refurbished pump for around $150, bought a filter. This whole space was a labor of love. I miss my husband every single day. I am thankful for our 43 years together, proud of him for doing his 4 year hitch in the US Navy near the end of the Vietnam war. He was my boyfriend, my love, my knight in blue jeans. My love for him continues to grow and one day we will be reunited.

It being Memorial day and thinking of the sacrifices made my so many, made me think of God,  and how out of His great love and mercy, He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the whole world. He came down as a babe, grew into manhood, and gave His life so that we would all be ‘free’ and have life eternal. He just asks us to believe in Him. Faith is a gift, just call on Him and He will hear you. Life won’t be perfect, but He is our strength when we are weak, and He fills us with His peace and love.

May you all have a great week.  Stop to smell the roses and other wonderfully scented blooms.  Feel the gentle breezes, hear the birds singing, take in all the beauty that surrounds you. Be kind, let others know you care. Be forgiving and encourage others.  Every day is a gift, let us be thankful for each and every one.

FlowerLady