Pajama Days

When my children were young and they got frazzled or run down from too much activity, I would declare a “pajama” day.  These were days they didn’t have to get dressed (unless they wanted to) and could just rest or play quietly or watch TV, or do nothing at all without feeling guilty.  It really was a treat for them, and a tradition they continued long after they graduated high school. 

This year, after the holidays, I declared a “pajama” day for myself, a rare luxury for someone who is goal oriented and always has something I need to do. But it was wonderful, a day for recharging the batteries, for resting and reading that book I’ve been wanting to read, a book not for research or study but just for fun.  It reminded me how in our fast-paced world we tend to neglect ourselves.  We have so much to do, so many responsibilities that keep us racing along until we find ourselves exhausted and grinding to a halt.

The Bible talks about us being a three part man: spirit, soul (mind) and body.  And often times Christians concern themselves with their spirit and soul but forget the body, thinking of it as second class, or almost unimportant.  But the body is, after all, the temple of the Holy Spirit.  We need to care for it. 

I can’t tell you how much good my “pajama” day did me.  It gave me a fresh perspective, renewed energy and a new enthusiasm for, yes, you guessed it, the things of the spirit and soul. It’s better than a vacation, because most vacations are hectic and leave you more tired than when you embarked.  “Pajama” days are, on the other hand, low-keyed, easy and inexpensive prescriptions for maintaining balance in a harried world.  I think we should allow ourselves a few of them a year, don’t you?

Until next week,

Sylvia