Small Catalog of Favorite Activities
Welcome to week seven. We’re almost halfway through the semester. Life is hectic. I get the feeling it’s not just me who’s feeling the stress.
God keeps reminding me in subtle and other, definitely not-so-subtle ways that it’s important to pause and take time to enjoy Him and others. So – homebody that I am – here is a catalog of my favorite restful activities to do around here.
Take a walk. If you know me, you might know walking is a daily staple in my life. Plum Creek Trail is beautiful, and there are also lots of friendly sidewalks in town. I love exploring and finding new routes. I definitely recommend it!
Read poetry aloud. We were made to glorify God. Poetry was made to read aloud. These things are analogous. Usually, this happens with my roommate; sometimes it happens when I’m alone in my room with a tongue that itches to say pretty sounds.
Read books aloud with my roommate. If you didn’t get a chance to find this out as a child with your family, I will inform you here and now that reading is so much more fun when it’s a community effort!
Watch anime. Because anime, as a friend once said, (and I paraphrase) is “a perfect medium.” The characters may be dramatic and the plots full of holes, but it always drives home the feelings.
Crochet. Usually, on the floor of my dorm room, with a gigantic and beautiful mountain of yarn. For some reason crocheting doesn’t work well in a chair – but maybe that’s just me. Either way, winding yarn up into something beautiful is a beautiful way to unwind :)
Go to concerts. I said I’m a homebody, and I meant it. By concert, I mean the delightful, sporadic, and under-publicized recitals and concerts that happen on campus or at St. John’s throughout the year. If I happen to hear about one, it’s (1) kind of a miracle because I don’t keep up with social media, and (2) an honor to hear. Now you know to keep your eyes open!
Go to English Country dances. This is the kind you see in Pride and Prejudice. I’m unfortunately not a great dancer, but it’s really fun, and I think there’s something symbolic about Concordia’s community in the ability to move so clumsily in tandem for a greater purpose (or maybe I’m being dramatic. Take it as you will).
- Go house watching. Don’t judge me. The houses at my home in Ecuador are beautiful in their own cement-brick, pastel way, but they don’t look like they come out of a storybook. The ones in Seward are so picturesque, and each is unique!
Write. Again, if you know me… need I say more? No, but seriously; while writing is not always restful, per say, it is the activity that makes me feel most like me. Fun fact: feeling like you is a good thing :)
There you have it: just a few things I enjoy doing. God designed us with limits, with a need to rest, so that we learn to depend on Him. That means it’s essential to have a rhythm of restful, restorative activities so we can keep our eyes where they belong and have energy to do the work God gives us. Steal my ideas as they strike your interest, and build your own personalized repertoire of restful activities!