I took care of my soul today.

It doesn’t always get a lot of attention, leftovers mainly. There are just too many “important” things to tend to day after day. But today I gave it an inch, and it took a mile.

It started with coffee with my favorite girl-woman. 

Em and I were way overdue for some one on one time, so we met at the local coffee shop. But even as I was trying to get out the door, my tasks were calling, nagging, insisting that they really couldn’t wait and wouldn’t I be happier crossing some things of my to-do list? It’s a good thing I’d already committed. Sadly, I know what I’d have done otherwise.

The day was gorgeous and so was Emy. She’s seven months pregnant and sporting the traditional glow. Besides that, she is everything and more I ever dreamed a daughter could be. She’s also one of the people I most admire. Listening to her talk and share her heart breathed life into mine, life I didn’t know I was missing. Like the scent of fall when it first arrives, I’d forgotten how much I love to spend time with my daughter.

A couple hours later, I hugged Em goodbye, started back to my car, stopped, and turned around the other way toward the gorgeous day and the Old Town shops I so enjoy browsing. 

It was a tough turn. My “responsible” self about had a fit, but my soul had tasted refreshment and wasn’t ready to push back from the table yet.

Half a dozen shops later, my soul and I were ready to take a leisurely stroll back to the car.

But we didn’t rush home. There were two stops to peruse some landscaping pavers I’ve been thinking about. My soul is pretty excited about the meandering path through the “garden” I’ve been dreaming about. 

Pavers perused, we headed home and back to work, or so I thought. My soul was planning the second course.

Dirty kitchen, laundry waiting, and to-do list notwithstanding, Soul and I were still hungry. We read some articles, wrote some notes, and more or less just dillied and dallied around the house enjoying the unseasonably cool July breeze through the open windows and taking in home. 

Taking in home. I so easily forget that home is meant to be more than managed and that managing home is a means not an end. The end is enjoyment. I even have it posted right over my pantry as a reminder.

Jeff came home, and after a quick, easy dinner, we spent the evening back in Old Town at the outdoor movie with Sam. Despicable Me 2 was the show, and we laughed and ate ice cream and candy and other stuff I regretted an hour later.

Ice cream makes me a little crazy.

As we drove home from the movie, my soul sated and content, I resolved to make days like this one less rare, to make caring for my soul a priority, and to remember to give thanks to “the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” ~1 Timothy 6:17

Can you relate? Does your soul often get the leftovers too? How do you take care of your soul? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Linking up with Holley & Jennifer!