Given the intensity of all my driving, I should have remembered the lesson I learned after my last cross country drive, that I need a few days off when I return before I plunge into things. But, on the very day I returned home this week, I had to run a dinner for my college alumni association while preparing the following day (yesterday) to teach a class at my synagogue, then my Dad comes into town today.
And then I’m trying to get back to regular blogging and get caught up on e-mail. And get my laundry done. And clean my car. At times, it seems I’m “flipping out.”
I need a vacation. Wait, didn’t I just get back from one?
Anyway, the real lesson of all this is that we all need some down time. It is, in my mind, the lesson of Shabbat where the Lord commands us to take a day of rest.
Next time I plan a cross country drive, I need to remember the lessons I learned on previous ones, especially about leaving time on the journey for error and adventure. To explore the beauty of this great nation — and to relax.
All that said, despite my somewhat harried feeling, I am grateful that I had the chance to make such a journey, even if it did not provide as much relaxation as I would have liked.
Shabbat is only two days away – use it to rest. 😉
I told you to fly. 🙂
That you did.